Analysis How Netanyahu could attack Iran to force Israel into unity government after elections While a strike against Iran before the Oct. 27 elections appears unlikely, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could launch one immediately afterward to pressure his rivals into joining a wartime unity government. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says The US envoy said that direct US military intervention on the ground against the Houthis would be "fruitless." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Iran and Gaza: Why Trump's backing of Netanyahu may come with strings attached Netanyahu could offer Trump several concessions: hold off on striking Iran until after the Nov. 3 US midterms, ease restrictions on Gaza’s reconstruction or crack down on settler violence in the West Bank. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lavrov visits Tehran as Trump praises Russia's role on Iran: What to know During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed Moscow’s offer to mediate between Tehran and Washington. Iran
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Intel: Biden’s pick for top intelligence official vows to report to Congress on Jamal Khashoggi murder Avril Haines says the Biden administration will release to lawmakers an unclassified intelligence assessment on who was behind the murder of the Saudi dissident journalist. Saudi Arabia
Pompeo, Israel send message to Iran with bold airstrikes in Syria In a rare acknowledgement, a US official said Washington provided intelligence support for the strikes. Israel
Iran’s Rouhani expects economic relief after Trump departure Iran’s president assured his nation of economic relief “in the months to come” following the “overthrow” of his outgoing US counterpart, Donald Trump. Iran
Cairo talks on Mideast peace show key players preparing for post-Trump era The latest meeting appears to be a signal to the new US administration that the Middle East Quartet and the Palestinians are serious about talks based on a multilateral approach. Palestine
Iraqi judge issues arrest warrant for Donald Trump over Soleimani killing The charge of premeditated murder carries a death sentence under Iraqi law but is not likely to be enforced. Iraq
Gulf unity deal further isolates Iran Healing the Gulf Cooperation Council rift is a parting gift for Trump and a welcome gift for Biden in dealing with the Islamic Republic. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey calls for 'common sense' amid post-election unrest in US Turkish state media reported the government's response to the storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters. Originals
Sudan joins Abraham Accords to recognize Israel The United States will help cover Sudan's more than $1 billion in arrears to the World Bank in exchange. Israel
Hillary Clinton says Trump playing 'dangerous game' with Iran The former secretary of state's warning follows other criticism of a Trump administration show of military force to dissuade Iran from potential attacks. United States
Four must-read books on Trump’s Middle East policies What we learned from Michael Wolff, John Bolton and Bob Woodward about the Trump administration and the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
UN condemns Trump's pardon of contractors involved in killing of Iraqis A UN Human Rights Office expert said that the pardon of the men involved in the 2007 Nisour Square massacre undermines the obligation of states to hold war criminals accountable. Iraq
Trump administration pushes last-minute arms deals to Middle East The move to go forward with a proposed $290 million sale of precision-guided bombs for Saudi Arabia comes just weeks before the Biden administration arrives. Saudi Arabia
