Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu With the fifth round of talks set to begin Tuesday, Israel is prepared to withdraw from at least one “pilot zone,” allowing the Lebanese army to take control of the area. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined The deal advanced between Washington and Tehran sees a linkage between the Iranian and Lebanese theaters and creates a deconfliction mechanism — without consulting Israel beforehand. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US, Iran to form 'deconflicting cell' on Lebanon, sidelining Lebanese state The agreement came during talks between Iran and the United States following a preliminary deal reached last week to end the war across the Middle East, including in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria’s Sharaa says he had ‘multiple discussions’ with Trump on Lebanon, favors dialogue Syrian President Sharaa has again played down Donald Trump’s request that Syria could enter Lebanon and help disarm Hezbollah. Syria
Analysis How Netanyahu used Lebanon strikes to push back on Trump’s Iran deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Why Trump’s push for Syria to confront Hezbollah is an unlikely bid By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Ahead of Rome meeting, Trump says Iran dragging out nuclear talks President Donald Trump said Iranian negotiators were “tapping us along” and threatened military action if a deal is not reached. United States
China courts Gulf, BRICS allies as trade war with US escalates Since US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries on April 2, Beijing has stepped up engagement with Riyadh. China
UAE's Mubadala makes first US gas play in wave of Gulf LNG investment Other Gulf energy majors such as Saudi Aramco and ADNOC have already made significant investments in US LNG. United Arab Emirates
After steep fall, oil prices slightly recover following Trump tariff pause Over the last week, oil prices have plummeted amid the escalating trade war between the United States and China. Saudi Arabia
From 2008 to today: Expectations and timeline of US-Iran talks The upcoming talks will be the most significant since negotiations broke down in 2022 and come in the wake of President Donald Trump threatening to bomb Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear program. Iran
US energy secretary to tour Gulf amid oil market pressure, Iran talks US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is expected to meet with several Gulf leaders during his trip as the region grapples with lower oil prices after President Donald Trump imposed universal tariffs last week. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Netanyahu unsettled by Trump-Iran talks but Israel maintains military option Despite President Donald Trump’s announcement of direct talks with Iran, sources describe the chances of a deal as "slim" and predict a tense summer ahead. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Trump says US, Iran in 'direct talks' over nuclear program President Donald Trump said the two sides will hold a "very big meeting" on Saturday. United States
Oil prices fall as Gulf economies grapple with Trump’s tariffs: What to know Falling oil prices could negatively impact the budgets of Gulf states and are coinciding with losses in the region’s stock markets. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's Simsek says economy will ride out Trump tariffs without lasting scars Mehmet Simsek stressed that his government’s economic program has made the economy more resilient against internal and external shocks, highlighting that inflation has fallen and continues to drop. Turkey
Netanyahu set to meet Trump amid differences over Iran, tariffs and Turkey: What to know In a surprise move, the US president invited the Israeli prime minister to Washington at short notice to discuss his recent tariff decision, the Iranian file and other issues. United States
