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
Qatar to join US visa-free travel list in first for Arab country Qatar is set to become the second Middle Eastern country, behind Israel, to join the US Visa Waiver Program. Qatar
Trump posts letter from Palestinian president ahead of Netanyahu meeting Former President Donald Trump said it was “so nice” of the Palestinian president to send the letter after the recent assassination attempt, calling him by his first name Mahmoud. Palestine
Protests, Kamala Harris rise overshadow Netanyahu's Washington visit Leaving for Washington, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that in his speech to Congress he will seek to reaffirm the strong bond between Israel and the United States, regardless of the political uncertainty there. Israel
Trump adds to Gulf portfolio with Dubai tower deal The Trump Organization and Dar Global have unveiled a new development, adding to others in Oman and Saudi Arabia this year. United Arab Emirates
Vance’s voting record: How Trump VP pick could sway Middle East policy Trump’s running mate voted to repeal Iraq War authorizations and rejected coupling aid for Israel and Ukraine. Israel
Turkey’s Erdogan praises Trump’s 'bravery' in call with former president The Turkish president became one of the few world leaders to speak with the former US leader following the assassination attempt. Turkey
Meet J.D. Vance, Trump’s VP pick: Hawk on Israel, critic of foreign aid Vance is an “America First” firebrand who opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq and military funding for Ukraine, but is a staunch supporter of Israel and backs normalization agreements with Arab states. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Middle East tumult to put Biden on defense in first Trump debate Former President Donald Trump will likely draw on the stalemate in Gaza cease-fire talks and threat of regional war to undermine President Joe Biden's foreign policy record. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Could Zarif tilt Iran's election toward long shot Reformist Pezeshkian? By enlisting Mohammad Javad Zarif, Masoud Pezeshkian is sending a signal to the United States and the West, as well as to Iranians, about a possible change of course in Iran's foreign policy if he pulls off an upset next week. Iran
What does Donald Trump's latest $200 million deal with Saudi Arabia entail? The former president, who is now the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party, has long had significant business ties to Saudi Arabia via his properties and the LIV Golf league. Legacy: Gulf
Why is Tucker Carlson in UAE after controversial Russia visit? The controversial former Fox News host, who recently interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressed a summit in the UAE’s largest city. Legacy: Gulf
Iran court orders US to pay $49 billion over Soleimani assassination Qasem Soleimani led Iran’s elite Quds Force until he was assassinated by the United States in Baghdad in 2020 in response to attacks on US forces in Iraq. Iran
