Netanyahu fears being left out as Trump pursues Iran diplomacy Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was not surprised by President Donald Trump’s suspension of Project Freedom and move toward talks with Iran, but analysts say Washington may not be fully weighing Israel's concerns in negotiations with Tehran. Israel
Analysis CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US strikes Iran tankers as UAE reports fresh missile, drone attacks Strikes on Iranian tankers and fresh exchanges in the Gulf escalate tensions as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a deal proposal. Iran
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
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hezbollah commanders killed as renewed strikes test Lebanon-Israel talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
How will Israel's Blue and White party react to Trump’s plan? If the Blue and White party aspires to present a real alternative to the Netanyahu government, it must offer a courageous stance vis-a-vis the US Middle East peace plan. Palestine
Netanyahu gambles on Trump against Iran Israel supports the American intention of increasing sanctions against Iran, though pushing Iran against the wall could fire up the Hezbollah front against Israel in Syria. Palestine
US cuts Iran oil waivers in move to force Tehran out of nuclear deal Washington is letting sanctions waivers for countries that import Iranian oil expire as it tries to make Iran quit the 2015 nuclear deal before a UN arms embargo is lifted next year as part of the agreement. United States
IRGC commander leaves sooner than expected Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promoted Hossein Salami to serve as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. United States
Can Russia deliver a deal for Idlib between Turkey, Syria? In Idlib, Moscow finds itself between the devil and the deep blue sea — a possible Syrian government offensive and Turkish constraints — but there is still reason to believe it can come up with a mutually acceptable deal for Damascus and Ankara. Syria
Netanyahu trapped between Trump, allies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs his far-right coalition against his impending indictment even more than his friendship with US President Donald Trump. Palestine
Iraq's Qaim border open to nonlocal PMU fighting in Syria Iraqi Shiite Popular Mobilization Units fighting in Syria cross the western Iraqi border with ease. Iraq
Can US convince Turkey to undo 'done deal' with Russia? Although there are some signs of warming between the United States and Turkey over the situation in northeast Syria, many in Ankara feel it is too little, too late. Turkey
Why Turkey’s reliance on Trump for S-400 sanctions waiver appears misguided Turkey is counting on President Donald Trump to waive US sanctions if Turkey takes delivery of the Russian air defense system. But any possible leniency would face significant obstacles in Congress. Turkey
Trump administration accuses Iran of potential new nuclear violations An annual State Department report says Tehran may have violated the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Israel
Iranians debate freedom of expression as Instagram shuts down IRGC pages After Instagram suspended the purported accounts of high-ranking IRGC members, Iran's ultraconservatives are pushing authorities to ban the platform in Iran. United States
As Turkey drifts away from the US, will Russia give it what it wants? Both Turkish and Russian analysts believe Putin has been successful in using President Erdogan to drive a wedge between NATO members. Turkey