Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response US strikes and renewed exchanges in Hormuz cast doubt on the ceasefire as the Trump administration awaits Tehran’s response to a new proposal. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US sets expectations for Iraq’s next PM to confront Iranian militias The Trump administration is cautiously sizing up Iraq’s new prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, as a potential partner in pushing back on Iranian influence. Iran
Analysis Iraq’s Zaidi offers economic promise for Turkey but unknowns loom Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is expected to sustain growing economic and strategic ties with Turkey thanks to his business-oriented approach, though uncertainty over his political stance could test cooperation on sensitive issues. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis US banking on Iraqi turnaround with nomination of Zaidi as new PM Trump signals hope for a "tremendous new chapter” in US-Iraq ties with the nomination of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister. By Week in Review
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Burning oil wells no match for soccer-loving Iraqis Soccer players from Team Asoosa, in Qayyarah, are rejoicing in reuniting and being able to again play the game they love after their town's liberation from the Islamic State. Iraq
How deep is Turkey's Sinjar entanglement? Soon after speaking with Turkey's president, Kurdistan Regional Government leader Massoud Barzani dispatched peshmerga forces to Sinjar, Iraq, which led to a clash between Kurdish forces. Iraq
How are displaced Iraqis faring in Syria’s camps? Hundreds of Turkmen families from Tal Afar, in northwestern Iraq, have headed for the Syrian opposition areas in Aleppo’s countryside. Iraq
Will massive trench keep Iraqi holy cities safe from terror? The holy cities of Najaf and Karbala are digging trenches around the cities to stop terrorists from coming in and launching attacks. Iraq
Could Turkey’s misstep in Manbij provide template for Raqqa? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest threat complicates Pentagon planning to oust the Islamic State from its so-called capital; United States provides intelligence for Iraqi strike in Syria. Iraq
Iraq, Iran agree to resolve dispute on joint oil fields After many years, Iraq and Iran have decided to form a joint committee to resolve differences about the oil fields between the two countries and the supply of a new oil pipeline to Iran. Iraq
Iraqis defiant as extremists threaten to attack Babylon After extremists reportedly threatened to attack the ancient site of Babylon, local Iraqis are swearing to protect both the city's antiquities and its character as a cultural center. Iraq
Shiite trio competes for power in Iraq With upcoming local and parliamentary elections in Iraq, three Shiite leaders are grappling for more control in the next government. Iraq
Saudis make surprise trip to Iraq: Why now? Saudi Arabia is making overtures to Iraq as Iran's influence expands in the region. Saudi Arabia
Benghazi blowback hamstrings US role in post-IS Iraq Congress is weighing America's role after Mosul amid looming budget cuts and paralyzing partisanship. Iraq
Despite tough talk, US unlikely to take on Iranian forces in Iraq The new US administration has adopted strict stances toward Iran, but any military clash between the United States and the factions Iran supports in Iraq would only increase Iranian influence. Iraq
Iran pulls Palestine from the margins The Iranian leadership turns out in force for Palestinian conference; Turkey’s victory in al-Bab may be a prelude to a showdown with the Syrian Kurds. Palestine