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
US envoy visits Lebanon, says US 'grateful' to Israel for defeating Hezbollah Morgan Ortagus reaffirmed the Trump administration position that Hezbollah cannot be part of the next Lebanese government, even as Beirut warned that this could create a parliamentarian crisis. Lebanon
US envoy visits Lebanon to discuss Hezbollah, cabinet formation: What we know Morgan Ortagus is heading a delegation and set to arrive in Lebanon on Thursday night, the first such visit by Trump administration officials. Lebanon
Analysis Why Hezbollah, Amal want to control Lebanon's Finance Ministry The ministry's strategic role in financial decision-making and postwar reconstruction has intensified political disputes, with opposition groups and international actors resisting Hezbollah's dominance. By Dario Sabaghi
Could Trump’s aid freeze to Lebanon army threaten fragile Israel ceasefire? US funding to Lebanon's armed forces remained in limbo despite the State Department backpedaling on its near-total halt to foreign aid abroad. Lebanon
Citing lack of security, UAE billionaire abandons Lebanon investments Emirati businessman had previously said he received threats leading to the cancellation of a planned TV channel launch in Lebanon in 2024 Lebanon
Lebanon says 26 killed as Israeli forces fire on residents returning to south Clashes that began on Sunday between Israeli forces and Lebanese civilians attempting to return to their towns in southern Lebanon continued into Monday, killing at least 26 people. Lebanon
Israel delays Lebanon withdrawal deadline: What we know Israel cites Hezbollah’s failure to meet the terms of the ceasefire deal and doubts about the Lebanese army’s readiness as reasons for the delay. Israel
Saudi FM in Syria after landmark visit to Lebanon Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visits to Lebanon and Syria underscore Saudi Arabia’s renewed diplomatic push in the region amid shifting power dynamics. Lebanon
Analysis With clock ticking in Lebanon and Gaza, are Israel’s ceasefire deals near collapse? As implementation deadlines approach this Saturday and Sunday, Israel doubts Hamas' ability to meet its obligations and says some Hezbollah infrastructure remains in place. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Al Arabiya journalist questioned in Lebanon for interviewing Israeli official The case of Layal al-Ekhtiar, who interviewed Israel's Arabic-language military spokesman last year as the Gaza war raged, has divided Lebanese political opinion. Lebanon
UN chief optimistic for Lebanon's recovery, questions Syria's future Antonio Guterres cautioned that there is no guarantee the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire will hold or lead to a final peace agreement, but he expressed encouragement over Lebanon's election of a president on Jan. 9, following two years of political impasse. Syria
Saudi FM set to travel to Lebanon, will press Beirut for 'real reform' Prince Faisal said he would meet Lebanon's new leadership to gauge potential for Saudi investment and noted that Trump's reelection lessened the prospect of war in the region Saudi Arabia