Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations Trump’s new decision excludes Syria and Iraq, both of which were part of his previous ban issued during his first term in 2017. Syria
Saudi Arabia releases Iranian cleric who criticized Hajj: What to know Iran-Saudi Arabia relations have improved in recent years, including in Hajj-related cooperation, though tensions remain over Iran’s regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told relatives of hostages held in Gaza that he accepts the recent proposal by American envoy Steve Witkoff, which is expected to secure the release of 10 abductees and establish a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
Rise in antisemitism in US, Europe preceded Washington shooting: What to know In the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, the number and severity of antisemitic incidents continue to rise. Israel
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Biden administration plans to sell F-15 fighter jets to Egypt The proposed sale has been in the works for years and is bound to raise opposition on Capitol Hill. United States
US concerned after Moroccan court upholds journalist’s sentence The State Department said it was "concerned with the judicial process" that led to Omar Radi's six-year sentence. Morocco
Biden urged to put strings on Tunisia aid amid democratic backslide A letter from some 50 activists, academics and former diplomats calls for the Biden administration to condition certain assistance to Tunisia on steps toward democratic governance. Tunisia
Infighting between Islamist, Turkish-backed armed groups continues in north Syria Infighting between Turkish-backed factions in north Syria continues despite pleas by civilians, with most recently dozens of members of the civilian police resigning in response to a shootout with the military police that left two of its members wounded. Syria
Rights group adds lobbying help to spotlight Egypt, Saudi abuses Political prisoner advocacy group Freedom Initiative is deploying Washington lobbyists to amplify its message on the Hill. United States
Explainer: the Phil Mickelson-Saudi Arabia golf controversy Golfer Phil Mickelson called Saudis “scary” in a recently surfaced interview. The fallout exposed a riff in the golf community over a Saudi-funded league that aims to compete with the PGA Tour, which has been criticized for its treatment of players. Legacy: Gulf
US voices concern after Tunisia's Saied disbands judicial watchdog State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the US was "deeply concerned" by Tunisian President Kais Saied's move to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council. Tunisia
Council of Europe starts disciplinary process for Turkey over Kavala Rights groups are calling for Osman Kavala's immediate release, while Ankara calls the Council of Europe’s decision to start the lengthy process “malicious” and “politically motivated.” Turkey
FBI admits to obtaining Israeli-made Pegasus spyware The FBI said it bought the controversial spyware tool for “product testing and evaluation only” and never deployed it. Israel
Turkey sinks on corruption index as activists point to public tender system Transparency International says there has been a “significant decline” in Turkey’s tackling of graft over the last decade. Turkey
Iran urged to release rights defender Narges Mohmmadi Narges Mohmmadi was sentenced to eight years in prison following a five-minute trial. Iran
Ex-UN officials, rights experts urge probe of Iran's 1988 mass killings More than 450 people signed an open letter calling for the UN human rights office to investigate the Iranian president's involvement in the1988 massacre, which Ebrahim Raisi denies. Iran
