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
Analysis Trump ceasefire leaves Netanyahu flustered as Iran gains politically US President Trump’s decision on a ceasefire with the Tehran regime leaves Israel far away from its Iran war objectives. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran threatens energy shock, ups Gulf strikes ahead of Trump deadline: What to know Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war in response to US threats to target key Iranian civilian infrastructure. Iran
Pompeo to visit Sudan, Bahrain, other countries on regional trip Pompeo will discuss Israel and the transition to democracy in Sudan. Bahrain is also rumored to be next in line to normalize relations with Israel. Originals
US-led coalition hands Camp Taji to Iraq's security forces Taji is the eighth and most expensive facility to be turned over fully to Baghdad's forces Iraq
General Electric signs deal with Iraq's Electricity Ministry The US industrial giant's announcement came before Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visited the White House. Iraq
Pompeo initiates snapback of Iran sanctions at UN Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was left with no alternatives following its failed bid at the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran. Originals
Democratic Party platform criticizes possible Israeli annexation of West Bank, Saudi role in Yemen Parts of the platform approved at the Democratic National Convention this week have been both praised and criticized by Israel- and Iran-focused groups in Washington. Saudi Arabia
Iran speaks out against US attempt to reinstate UN sanctions Iran says the United States will suffer another defeat if it attempts to bring back sanctions against Iran. Iran
Report: Pompeo expected to ask UN to reimpose Iran sanctions Reuters reported that the US Secretary of State is likely to head to UN headquarters in New York on Thursday to ask for the reimposition of sanctions on Tehran. Originals
Palestinians express anger at UAE following US-brokered accord with Israel Palestinians say UAE decision to normalize relations with Israel is a crime. United Arab Emirates
US top diplomat for Iran Brian Hook steps down Hook was a key figure in the Trump administration's pressure campaign against Iran. Iran
Pentagon contradicts Trump’s claim on Beirut ‘attack’ US Defense Secretary Mark Esper contradicted Donald Trump's suggestion that the explosion in Beirut was an "attack," saying instead that it was likely caused by an accident. Lebanon
Intel: Key senator mounts bid to force Trump to declassify report on Soleimani strike The top Democrat on the Senate’s Middle East panel isn’t dropping the fight to force the Donald Trump administration to declassify the legal justification for the January strike that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Iraq. Originals
