In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pursues quiet diplomacy as Trump pushes Israel normalization Saudi Arabia has been engaged in intense diplomacy in Lebanon in recent days, leading up to the extension of a ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon
Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
Trump envoy Barrack’s embrace of 'strong leaders' sparks fury in Turkey Turkish opposition members say envoy Tom Barrack’s remarks praising “strong leaders” and monarchies undermine Turkey’s democratic tradition and embolden President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
Analysis As Lebanon-Israel talks begin, can Rubio press Netanyahu into ceasefire? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US allies try to dilute anti-Iran agenda for Warsaw summit Wary European allies are trying to dilute and broaden the agenda and lower their diplomatic representation for a US-backed ministerial meeting on Middle East peace and security to be held Feb. 13-14 in Warsaw, Poland. United States
Iran says Poland conference divides Europe Iran has condemned an upcoming anti-Iran meeting hosted by Poland. Russia
Iran national security adviser says Europe missed chance to save nuclear deal A top Iranian official has explicitly stated for the first time that Europe's window to uphold its commitments under the Iran nuclear deal has closed. Iran
Iranians slam new EU sanctions as JCPOA hangs in balance Iran has condemned new EU sanctions targeting its Intelligence Ministry over alleged assassination plots, especially as they are imposed at a time when Tehran is still awaiting a long-stalled European payment mechanism to circumvent US sanctions. United States
EU says it’s premature for Syria to rejoin Arab League Egypt's efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab League while the country remains unstable are raising concerns in the EU. Egypt
EU, Turkey face off over jailed Kurdish politician Europe’s top human rights court ordered Turkey to free Selahattin Demirtas, a popular Kurdish politician held for two years for his speeches. In an interview before the ruling, he said the European Union is defending its own values by speaking out for him. Turkey
Have relations between Turkey and Europe reached a turning point? The decision by the European Court of Human Rights on a jailed Kurdish leader might be marking a turning point in ties between Turkey and the European Union. Turkey
What's behind Europe’s outreach to Erdogan? Europe’s acceptance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an interlocutor is driven by Turkey’s continuing strategic importance rather than any reflection on its president. Saudi Arabia
Terror plot accusations undermine Iran-Europe engagement at worst possible time Iran’s alleged involvement in bomb and assassination plots in Europe is putting pressure on the Rouhani administration as well as on Iranian engagement with Europe more broadly. Iran
Turkey, Russia seek European input on Syria settlement The heads of four nations gathered in Istanbul last week, all seeking to promote their countries' own national interests in Syria. But it's unclear if they'll eventually be able to negotiate a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis that Damascus will accept. Syria
Erdogan scores points in his foreign policy gamble Turkish President Erdogan scores major diplomatic points from the Khashoggi case to the quadrilateral summit in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia
