Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US says Sudan diplomacy ‘degraded’ but continues after pullout With the US Embassy in Khartoum indefinitely closed, the Biden administration is exploring whether to base US diplomats out of Port Sudan. Sudan
Israel shells Hezbollah targets in Syria in latest escalation The shelling targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Syria, local outlets reported, but the Syrian government notably has not commented. Israel
Analysis France alarmed over Wagner’s role in Sudan as Russia expands in Africa Following instances of instability in Mali and Burkina Faso that saw Russia's influence rise in Africa, France is closely working with Egypt to reach a cease-fire and avoid similar scenario in Sudan. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Meet Sudan's web of warlords, foreign backers and their tangled alignments A look at the various players in the fighting that has exploded in Sudan paints a much richer picture than what some call a proxy war. Sudan
Captured Egypt soldiers return from Sudan as fighting rages The Egyptian troops were captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces battling the Sudanese army. Egypt
Second Sudan cease-fire goes into effect with nearly 300 killed The international community has been calling on the military and rival forces to stop the fighting as the death toll rises. Sudan
UK sanctions Lebanon art dealer accused of financing Hezbollah Already sanctioned by the United States back in 2019, Lebanese art dealer Nazem Said Ahmad was sanctioned by the British government on Tuesday. Iran
Sudan death toll nears 100 as civilians flee, power struggle continues Several countries have called for restraint after rival forces engaged in bloody clashes in Sudan. The Horn of Africa
Iraqi militias escalate rhetoric against US, threatening more attacks After a period of calm following the formation of the new government, angry rhetoric has been rising against the US embassy's social outreach to Iraqi groups and tribes. Iraq
Lebanon’s Hezbollah hosts Hamas chief as rockets fly over Israel border The delegation has reportedly discussed efforts to coordinate action against Israel. Palestine
Second attack on US military in Syria following Pentagon’s airstrikes The US military said it struck Iranian-affiliated targets in eastern Syria in response to an earlier drone attack. Syria
Russia's Wagner activities expanding in Libya despite growing Western scrutiny The Wagner Group has sought to use Libya as a forward base for its activities in the Sahel region, particularly Chad and Niger, while building spheres of influence with local communities and smuggling networks in the southern border regions of Libya. North Africa
