US to host Lebanon-Israel talks next week in first such meeting A senior Lebanese official told Al-Monitor that the Trump administration relayed to Beirut on Wednesday its support for Lebanon to handle its negotiations with Israel, separate from talks taking place with Iran this weekend in Pakistan. Lebanon
Analysis Sanctions relief, Pakistan role propel China backing of Iran-US ceasefire The US–Iran truce boosts Pakistan — one of China’s closest partners — by elevating its role as a mediator and strengthening a regional balance that favors Beijing’s allies. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
UAE says no more 'niceties' with Iran, seeks clarity on fragile truce terms The UAE said Iran must pay “compensation” for damages incurred during the conflict. United Arab Emirates
Lebanon rejects Iran negotiating on its behalf, PM says only Beirut handles talks Israel launched its largest attack against Lebanon in the war, firing over 160 munitions across the country. At least 203 people were killed and 1,072 injured, while 33 remain missing, authorities said. Lebanon
Analysis Ceasefire or strategic pause? How Iran is framing war narrative amid deep mistrust By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iran unveils underwater suicide drone as US tensions grow: What we know The showcasing of the unmanned aerial vehicle follows the unveiling of a new drone carrier warship and plans to develop a supersonic cruise missile. Iran
Trump admin taps Joel Rayburn for senior State Department position The Trump administration has nominated Joel Rayburn as assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, a key role in shaping US policy in the Middle East. United States
Iran pushes diplomatic blitz to thwart Trump's Gaza relocation plan With its regional proxies decimated in Israeli attacks, Iran is seeking to restore its position within the new regional dynamics by encouraging Islamic countries to mobilize against President Donald Trump's Gaza policies. Iran
Iran's Pezeshkian rejects Trump's call for talks, denounces 'plots' against Tehran US President Donald Trump has reinstated his "maximum pressure" strategy against Iran while simultaneously calling for negotiations over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. Iran
Analysis What's next as Khamenei rejects Trump's offer for US-Iran diplomacy? The Iranian supreme leader's adamant refusal laid bare divisions within Iran's political structure and has shaken pro-engagement camps that pinned hopes of economic reform on recent overtures from the US president. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Trump administration unveils sanctions on Iran oil exports to China The opening shot of Trump's rebooted "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran comes after the president suggested this week that its leaders should "immediately" work with the US on a new nuclear agreement. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Will Trump’s maximum pressure on Iran restart talks or force escalation? President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum to impose “maximum pressure” on Iran, a campaign that — during his first term — levied intense sanctions on the country in hopes of bringing it back to the negotiating table for nuclear talks. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Iran to send four naval ships to UAE for rare meeting: What to know The announcement of the first-ever visit came a day after Iran unveiled a new ballistic missile. Iran
Netanyahu first foreign leader to meet Trump Tuesday: What to expect While President Donald trump is expected to push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to go through with the second phase of the hostage deal, the Israeli leader is expected to ask the American president to turn up the heat on Tehran. Israel
Iran's Khamenei cautiously leaves door open for diplomacy with Trump In his latest statements, Ali Khamenei did not rule out talks with the United States, marking a shift from his uncompromising anti-US approach in recent years. Iran
Iran confirms purchase of Russia’s Sukhoi-35 fighter jets: What we know Iran and Russia have grown closer since the start of the Ukraine war as the two countries face international sanctions. Iran
As Trump returns, Iran's IRGC steps up Hormuz military drills: What to know Iran's influential hard-liners have long argued that closure of the oil-strategic strait can serve as a bargaining chip in any confrontation with Israel and the United States. Iran
