Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
US airstrikes target Iran's Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island American military forces launched their first strikes on the Iranian mainland in more than a month just days after the top US commander for the region said Iranian mines have been cleared from Hormuz shipping lanes. Iran
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis How Iran is readying for economic protests as Trump escalates pressure By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Bahrain conference showcases Israeli ties with Gulf states A significant cornerstone on the way to overt normalization between Israel and the pragmatic Sunni states was laid this week in Bahrain at the US-led economic workshop. Saudi Arabia
Iran stops stamping passports To alleviate concerns that a visit to Iran might complicate foreigners being able to enter the United States at a later date, Iran reiterated that it will allow tourists to enter the country through its international airports without having their passports stamped. United States
Erdogan confident he can sway Trump to skip sanctions The two presidents will meet at the G-20 summit to discuss a standoff over Turkey’s purchase of a Russian antiaircraft system that obliges the US government to introduce punishing economic sanctions on its NATO partner. Turkey
The winners and losers of the Bahrain conference The United States revealed its economic plan for Palestine at a conference in Bahrain, and the winners and losers of that plan will be impacted for years to come. Palestine
Iran seeks relief from US sanctions in Asia In its foreign policy toward Asian and Eurasian states, Iran is extending its outreach beyond traditional allies China and Russia to draw support from a range of countries and reduce the impact of US sanctions. Russia
House panel advances bipartisan Saudi sanctions bill over Khashoggi murder The House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously advances a bill that would sanction Saudis involved in the Jamal Khashoggi slaying. Saudi Arabia
Turkey makes case to Congress to drop S-400 sanctions Turkey is making a final pitch to Congress to prevent US sanctions for purchasing a Russian air defense system, according to documents reviewed by Al-Monitor. Turkey
Tehran renews warning that it may soon bid farewell to nuclear deal Amid continued frustration with the European signatories to the nuclear deal, Iran is sending fresh signals about its potential departure from the pact, while indicating that diplomacy remains a viable option. United States
Palestinians protest US ‘Peace to Prosperity’ plan Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza protested the US "Peace to Prosperity" plan, as it ignores their basic demands of freedom and dignity. Bahrain
Damascus vies with Saudi-Kurd union for tribal support Saudi Arabia is backing Kurdish efforts to win over Syrian tribes' loyalty from the regime. Saudi Arabia
Israeli, Russian, US interests converge on Iran in Syria At a trilateral meeting in Jerusalem, the national security advisers of Israel, Russia and the United States confirmed their common interest in limiting the presence of Iranian forces in Syria when peace finally comes. Israel
Congress advances bill sidelining Turkey on Mediterranean gas dispute The Senate advanced a bill rebuking Turkish attempts to drill for gas near Cyprus. Turkey