Trump calls off Iran strikes, says deal is close Iran did not immediately respond to his claim that its leadership had approved a deal. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
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
The Takeaway: Sudan not occupying Ethiopian territory, says Sudan’s ambassador to US Highlights of our exclusive interview with Nureldin Satti, Sudan’s ambassador to the United States; quick takes on Israel, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Kuwait and China; and Gaza’s shelter for stray dogs! Sudan
Iran says 60% uranium enrichment an answer to attack President Hassan Rouhani says the recent decision to enrich uranium to 60% is in response to the alleged Israeli attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Iran
European powers voice 'grave concern' over Iran's uranium enrichment plan Following the alleged Israeli attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, Tehran has announced it will enrich uranium to 60% purity. Iran
Senate confirms Wendy Sherman for No. 2 post at State Department Sherman was the lead negotiator for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The debate over her nomination mostly focused on the agreement, which the Biden administration is currently seeking to reenter. Congress
Attack on 3rd Israeli-owned ship reported in Gulf of Oman News reports from Lebanon and Arab media say an Israeli-owned car carrier was damaged off Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. Israel
Iran declares uranium enrichment levels of 60% ahead of more nuclear deal talks The increase brings the Islamic Republic closer to the 90% level required to build a nuclear bomb and was in response to the alleged Israeli cyberattack at an Iranian nuclear facility. News Brief
EU hits Iranian officials with sanctions over human rights abuses The eight individuals sanctioned include the head of the Revolutionary Guards and the commander of the Basij forces. Iran
US denies involvement in attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear site Iran has blamed Israel for the attack on its Natanz nuclear site. Iran
Despite Austin’s visit, Israel not reassured on Iran Israel welcomes US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on a first official visit to Israel, though it is not at all sure whether the visit would calm down Israeli concerns over a US deal with Iran. Israel
Iran nuclear talks to resume next week Meetings on the Iran nuclear agreement will continue in Vienna as Iran continues its demand for "Trump sanctions" to be removed. By AL-MONITOR Staff
White House faces tough task of tearing down Iran sanctions wall to save nuclear deal In Trump's final days, the White House introduced a slew of new sanctions aimed at hindering a return to the nuclear deal. Yet since the designations were so blatantly politicized, the risk of undoing them is politically manageable. Iran
The Takeaway: Nile Dam talks fail, crisis escalates Sisi warns that "all options open" if diplomacy not resumed; Israel: "Knives drawn" as Bibi gets first shot at forming government; Hotel shuttle diplomacy at Iran talks in Vienna; Mummies on parade in Egypt; more! Egypt