Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained low, with only five commodity vessels transiting the waterway on Tuesday, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US lifts Syria's terror designation Pakistan and Iran report “significant progress” in talks on ending conflict; Lebanon’s Transport Minister Rasamni visits Damascus; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
In shift, Lebanon grants Iranian ambassador residency extension Mohammad Reza Sheibani’s visa was set to expire early Tuesday morning and he was first ordered to leave in March. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Israel hold US-mediated talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran threatens ‘devastating’ response as US ramps up sanctions By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Will nuke deal open door to Iranian military assistance to Lebanon? The Iranian nuclear agreement has removed a major obstacle to Tehran's offer of military assistance to Lebanon, but government dysfunction in Beirut remains a stumbling block. Lebanon
Assyrian Christian woman shares story of captivity by Islamic State In this interview with Al-Monitor, a Christian Assyrian woman recounts her experience of being kidnapped by Islamic State militants. Lebanon
International intrigue surrounds missing Czechs in Lebanon Speculation has it that the disappearance of five Czech nationals in the Bekaa Valley is connected to an alleged Lebanese smuggler who is wanted by the United States, is being detained in Prague and has supposed ties to deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Lebanon
Lebanon sees green future in ecotourism Ecotourism could potentially turn into a sustainable source of income for Lebanon, and some organizations have been coordinating efforts to develop the field. Lebanon
What Lebanon will get from the Iran deal Economist Hassan Mokalled told Al-Monitor that the expected boost the nuclear deal will provide Iran's economy could benefit Lebanon in several areas. Lebanon
Lebanese, UN fall out over refugee registration Lebanese officials have criticized UNHCR efforts to register Syrian refugee births, arguing that the country is at capacity. Lebanon
Syrian refugees in Lebanon face mental health crisis Syrian refugees in Lebanon who suffer from mental disorders often go without treatment, but some nongovernmental organizations are working to change this. Lebanon
Druze caught up in 'game of nations' The Syrian Druze, staunch allies of the Assad regime, face an existential threat from opposition forces, which is why Druze leaders in neighboring countries have been calling for arming them and for better relations with the Sunni community. Israel
What's delaying gas exploration in Lebanon? Gas exploration in Lebanon has been in limbo for over two years, but with the renewed international efforts, will the file be reopened? Lebanon
When drones fall from the sky into Lebanon Two drones have fallen over Lebanon in just a few weeks, raising questions about their origin and whether the two crashes could be coincidental. Israel
Christians clash with Lebanese security forces Lebanon has been without a president for over a year now, and sectarian sensitivities are at their highest. Lebanon
South Beirut clashes spark deja vu The recent fighting between young pro-Future Movement Sunni men and pro-Hezbollah Shiite youth raised fears about the eruption of sectarian clashes in Lebanon, as happened on May 7, 2008. Lebanon