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
Israel launches heaviest wave of strikes in south Lebanon since ceasefire The Israeli escalation came just a day after the US military praised the Lebanese army’s progress in disarming Hezbollah. Lebanon
After decade in jail, Gadhafi’s son granted $11B bail in disappeared imam case The lengthy detainment of Hannibal Gadhafi, the son of late Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi, over the 1978 disappearance of Shiite cleric Musa al-Sadr has long been a source of controversy in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria’s FM pays Lebanon first official visit since Assad’s fall: What to know Lebanon and post-Assad Syria are seeking to rebuild their relations by addressing longstanding issues that caused tension between the two countries for decades. Lebanon
Lebanon army chief visits Qatar amid push to disarm Hezbollah Haykal has held meetings with the Qatari army chief, the country’s prime minister and its minister of state for defense affairs. Lebanon
Culture Miss Lebanon 2025 crowned in ceremony highlighting culture, heritage Lebanon crowned Perla Harb as the country’s new beauty queen in a grand ceremony highlighting Lebanese culture. Lebanon
US approves $230M for Lebanon’s push to disarm Hezbollah New US funds for Beirut signal rare bipartisan approval for progress by Lebanon's security forces as they dismantle Hezbollah weapons caches, but significant risks remain as the militant faction resists full disarmament. United States
Culture Lebanese play explores struggle between exile and staying in Lebanon “Tarboush Jedde Maallak” is currently playing in Beirut, bringing to life the enduring struggle of exile that has resonated with every Lebanese for nearly five decades. Lebanon
Lebanon seizes $1.5M in cocaine at Beirut airport: What to know The country has recently stepped up its fight against drug trafficking, seizing large amounts of cocaine at ports and airports and targeting Captagon production. Lebanon
Won’t shove it 'down our throats': Netanyahu blasts Palestine recognition in UN speech Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the leaders of countries that recognized Palestine of playing into Hamas’ hands. Israel
Analysis A year after Israel's pager attack, can battered Hezbollah rebound in Lebanon? The double explosion of wireless devices that struck across Lebanon simultaneously last September left Hezbollah shocked and seemingly unable to regain the standing it once enjoyed. By Beatrice Farhat , Adam Lucente
Beirut blast: 5 years on, Bulgaria arrest marks breakthrough in renewed probe Bulgarian police have arrested the owner of a ship tied to the 2020 Beirut port blast as the resumed investigation progresses. Lebanon
Lebanon announces 6.5M Captagon pills seized: What to know Lebanese authorities said they are coordinating with their neighbors to dismantle the drug trade as neighboring Syria steps up its own efforts following border clashes. Lebanon