Lebanon says at least 12 killed in Israeli strikes as tensions rise in south The escalation in southern Lebanon casts a shadow over upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome. Lebanon
Analysis Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order? Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
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
Why GCC has been silent on Trump's 'Muslim ban' Gulf states have failed to criticize the Trump administration for its recent "Muslim ban" in an attempt to keep the new US administration on their side in light of the economic and security challenge the Gulf region faces. Legacy: Gulf
Is Erdogan’s Syria policy slipping through his fingers? Syrian Kurds may dash Turkish president’s expectations for US President Donald Trump. Syria
US wrestlers barred from Iran in retaliation for Trump visa ban As US-Iran relations deteriorate over visa bans and missile launches, sports exchanges are collateral damage. United States
Desperate Palestinian leadership could choose armed struggle With the Trump administration clearly on Israel’s side, Palestinian leadership might resort, once again, to armed struggle. Palestine
Congress takes aim at UN over Israel stance Lawmakers are preparing a slew of measures aimed at curbing what they see as anti-Israel discrimination at the United Nations. Palestine
Iran brushes off being 'put on notice' Iranian officials are downplaying threatening and critical remarks by the Trump administration, calling them “hollow threats.” United States
What will Trump era mean for Gaza? The Palestinians paid close attention to the inauguration speech of US President Donald Trump, who promised to eliminate radical Islam — something Hamas took personally. Palestine
White House warns Iran on missile test, but signals intent to enforce nuclear deal Trump national security aides warned Iran against missile tests and its support for Yemen’s Houthi rebels, but said they were drawing a line between Iran’s regional behavior and the Iran nuclear deal. Yemen
What the US stands to lose by alienating Morocco After Donald Trump's election, abrupt and extreme changes in US policy threaten its relationship with longtime ally Morocco. Morocco
Trump's pick for Israel envoy to undergo unprecedented Senate grilling Senate Democrats vow tough hearing on David Friedman as advocates of a two-state solution ramp up their lobbying. Israel
Jordan eyes center stage in Russia’s anti-terrorism policy Jordan's King Abdullah, who visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week and is in Washington this week, could become a key intermediary between Russia and the Trump administration. Jordan
Why are Syrian rebels stepping up efforts to isolate Iran? The Syrian rebels’ rejection of Iran as a guarantor of the cease-fire in Syria is about much more than simple anti-Iranian sentiment among Sunni militants. Syria