Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained low, with only five commodity vessels transiting the waterway on Tuesday, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US lifts Syria's terror designation Pakistan and Iran report “significant progress” in talks on ending conflict; Lebanon’s Transport Minister Rasamni visits Damascus; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
In shift, Lebanon grants Iranian ambassador residency extension Mohammad Reza Sheibani’s visa was set to expire early Tuesday morning and he was first ordered to leave in March. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Israel hold US-mediated talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran threatens ‘devastating’ response as US ramps up sanctions By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel, Lebanon hold another round of truce talks US sanctions international court judges over Israel war crimes probe, global hunger monitor says there is no longer famine in Gaza, and more. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
US, France and Saudi Arabia agree to conference to bolster Lebanon’s army France is looking for more support for a committee monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Saudi, French, US officials push Hezbollah disarmament Senate passing bill lifting Caesar sanctions on Syria, Israel's Netanyahu approves $35B gas deal with Egypt, and more. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Syria foils major arms smuggling attempt to Lebanon: What we know Syrian authorities have stepped up operations targeting smuggling attempts mainly destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon since the fall of President Bashar al‑Assad’s regime last year. Syria
Analysis Trump's Syria envoy Barrack tests Israel's patience as Netanyahu pushes back The struggle between the Israeli prime minister and the envoy is an acknowledgment by Israeli leaders that "what will happen is what Trump wants to happen." By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lebanon FM lashes out at Iran amid ambassador impasse: What to know Lebanese officials have grown more frustrated at Tehran over its perceived meddling in Lebanon’s internal affairs by making repeated comments about its ally, Hezbollah, and the importance of its weapons, at a time the country is working to extend control over all arms. Lebanon
Lebanon's FM snubs Iran, turns down invitation to visit Tehran: What to know Youssef Rajji declined an invitation from his Iranian counterpart to visit Tehran, saying, "The appropriate conditions for such a visit were not present.” Lebanon
Clashes and protests in Lebanon over Syria's anniversary: What we know As celebrations erupted in Lebanon to commemorate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Hezbollah supporters held counter-rallies. Lebanon
Analysis Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long? The US blocked Israel from widening its strikes on Hezbollah this week, yet another flare-up in their enduring conflict seems likely despite first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lebanon, Israel to hold second round of direct talks: What we know While Israel and Lebanon continue talks, Israeli airstrikes have persisted, and Hezbollah shows no sign of complying with disarmament requirements. Lebanon
Who is Simon Karam, head of Lebanon’s delegation to talks with Israel? Karam is a veteran diplomat and a legal scholar who served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States from 1992 to 1993. Lebanon
US pressure prompted Israel-Lebanon talks to avert war with Hezbollah According to an Israeli security source, US envoy Morgan Ortagus’ visit was perceived in Israel as a warning that President Donald Trump will not accept Israel launching a large military campaign in southern Lebanon. Israel