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
Senior Erdogan aide slams Bolton memoir for depictions of Turkish president Ankara has criticized the former US national security adviser’s descriptions of President Donald Trump’s discussions with his Turkish counterpart, accusing him of publishing the book for his own personal gain. Turkey
Intel: US sanctions Iranian ships for delivering oil to Venezuela The United States sanctioned the captains of five Iranian vessels today for delivering oil to Venezuela. Originals
Rouhani says talks with US possible any moment after ‘apology’ While Iran’s hard-liners have persistently warned against any compromise with the Donald Trump administration, President Hassan Rouhani said he is ready for talks even before the upcoming US presidential elections. Iran
Intel: Key Democrat presses Pompeo on Trump’s alleged interference in Turkish bank probe The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today grilling him on a series of allegations raised in former national security adviser John Bolton’s new book, including the allegation that President Donald Trump sought to end the Justice Department’s charges against Turkey’s state-run Halkbank. Originals
Intel: House Republicans greenlight annexation as Trump administration wavers The majority of the House Republican caucus signed onto a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday backing any decision he makes on annexing the West Bank “independent of outside pressure,” even as Donald Trump administration officials convene this week to decide whether they should give Israel the greenlight to proceed in July. Originals
Gantz says Palestinians need dialogue with Israel on annexation Defense Minister Benny Gantz took another step today at clarifying his stance on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation plan. Israel
Trump’s endorsement crucial for Netanyahu’s annexation plan Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that he cannot go ahead with annexation without the endorsement of US President Donald Trump. Israel
Intel: Vulnerable Senate Republicans targeted for supporting Trump on Iran Two vulnerable Senate Republican incumbents up for re-election in November found themselves under attack over their support for President Donald Trump’s Iran policies in new social media ads that began airing in their states today. Originals
Intel: Trump’s Syria envoy promises 'significant' Syria aid amid new US sanctions The United States will provide a “significant amount” of new humanitarian aid for Syria even as stringent new sanctions take effect, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the war-torn country announced today. Originals
Egypt calls emergency Arab League meeting on Libya The meeting is expected to be held next week to discuss recent developments in the Libyan conflict. Egypt
Why is Sirte everyone’s ‘red line’ in Libya? Libya’s coastal city of Sirte, a strategic gateway to major oil facilities, has emerged as a critical point of contention between Turkey and Russia, with France also scrambling to impede Turkey via NATO. Turkey
Intel: Democrats condemn US broadcasting CEO’s Middle East purges after expanding office’s powers President Donald Trump’s new CEO of the US Agency for Global Media on Wednesday fired the heads of at least three of its outlets who collectively oversaw its Middle East and Iran coverage. The move sparked immediate condemnation from key Democrats despite their previous bipartisan support for expanding the CEO’s powers. Congress
