US issues more Iran sanctions as Trump says strikes will resume The sanctions are the latest to target Iran's weapons procurement networks. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Suez Canal traffic soars as Hormuz disruptions reroute energy trade The canal generated $419 million in revenue in April, up 27% year over year. Egypt
US sanctions network smuggling Iranian LPG as talks falter The sanctions come as President Donald Trump has offered mixed signals on prospects for a deal. United States
As Iran seeks leverage, can US enforce Lebanon-Israel ceasefire? The US-brokered ceasefire plan is already showing cracks. Lebanon
Israeli, Russian foreign ministers discuss key regional issues via phone With the second round of Iran nuke talks resuming in Vienna, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid speaks on the phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Israel
Israel's Bennett gets scolded by the White House Refusing an Israeli request for a phone call between Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and US President Joe Biden, the White House clarified the rules of the game and what kind of relationship they expect between the two leaders. Israel
Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna Iranian officials say they are ready to stay as long as necessary in this latest round of talks. Iran
Venezuela's Maduro plans to visit Iran 'very soon' Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the two countries will sign new accords and "speed up processes of cooperation." Iran
US national security adviser meets with Bennett, Lapid, Gantz in Israel Facing growing pressure from Jerusalem on the Vienna talks, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met yesterday in Israel with President Isaac Herzog and today with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Israel
Israeli army not ready to strike Iran's nuclear program According to reports, the IDF does not have the means to effectively and seriously damage Iran's nuclear facilities right now. Israel
Israel knows attacking Iranian nuke program will bring war with Hezbollah Israeli leadership is coping not only with the question of military preparedness for the possibility of attacking the Iranian nuclear program, but also with the implications of such an attack on Israel’s homeland security, its economy and its growth. Israel
Future uncertain for US Palestinian affairs consulate in Jerusalem Rumor has it that the United States has halted efforts to reopen a consulate for Palestinian affairs in Jerusalem. Israel
Bennett sketches path for Israeli-Saudi normalization Having scored diplomatic achievements with Egypt, the Emirates and even Turkey, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett views Saudi Arabia as a jewel in the crown of normalization with the Arab world. Israel
Vienna talks to pause after 'good progress,' Iran negotiator says Iran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani said "good progress" was made during talks this week. News Brief
Israeli politicians turn Iranian nuke threat into political campaign Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians are not only campaigning for Israel’s security, they are also using the Iran threat as means to political promotion. Israel
Bennett commits to partnership with Emirates on UAE visit On his historic visit to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reassured his hosts that his government is committed to the alliance with the Emirates and that it will lobby on their behalf in Washington. Israel