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
Iran's Rouhani open for Trump meeting if sanctions lifted The Iranian president has signaled readiness for talks with his US counterpart if the latter removes economic sanctions he reimposed on the Islamic Republic. United States
Turkey seeks to refresh NATO ties to balance Russia Turkey seems to have failed to get all it wanted from the NATO summit in London, but even an incomplete outcome meets its purpose of balancing ties with Russia by refreshing ties with NATO. Syria
Trump condemns Iran protest crackdown, stays mum on Oman, French mediation efforts President Donald Trump, responding to a reporter’s question in London, said the United States does not support the protesters in Iran before he later clarified his answer and castigated the Iranian government. Saudi Arabia
Trump unfreezes US military aid to Lebanon without explanation The White House has lifted a hold on $105 million in security assistance to Lebanon. Lebanon
Turkey flirts with buying even more Russian missile systems Turkey seems to be offering a compromise to the United States to avoid sanctions for Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 fighter jets — even as Turkey is in talks to buy more. Turkey
Turkey bets on NATO as escape route in S-400 crisis In a move to buy time, Erdogan is taking the S-400 crisis to NATO grounds, as Ankara’s testing of the Russian-made system the week before a NATO summit shows Ankara still has maneuvering room. Syria
Palestinians lobby for tweaks to anti-terror bill The Palestinian Authority and plaintiffs backed by an Israeli NGO are competing for lawmakers’ ears as Congress seeks to amend an anti-terror law. Palestine
How Iran's protests could impact foreign policy Critical comments from France and Germany about the Iranian protests could further accelerate the dismantling of the Iran nuclear deal. Israel
Pompeo’s gift to Netanyahu might bring about new Israeli annexation US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s legitimization of Israeli settlements is seen as giving a green light to Israel’s prime minister to annex the Jordan Valley if a government is formed. Palestine
Russia faces dilemmas in northeastern Syria While it has added some fortifications, Moscow is challenged with new political and military uncertainty over Syria's northeast. Syria
Democrats plan legislative response to Trump’s new Israeli settlement policy House Democratic leaders vow to vote on a resolution backing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Donald Trump administration’s new settlement policy. Palestine
Trump blows off Congress inquiry on Lebanon aid freeze The White House has missed a deadline to justify freezing $105 million in military aid to Lebanon, two congressional aides told Al-Monitor. Lebanon
