Analysis Squeezed by Trump and Iran war, how vulnerable is Netanyahu in polls? The Israeli prime minister faces growing problems over Oct. 7, his alliance with the ultra-Orthodox parties, and Donald Trump questioning his political future. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
US strikes on Indian-crewed tankers spark tensions with New Delhi India summoned the US deputy chief of mission in Delhi on Friday to protest American strikes on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman. Iran
Analysis 'A complete disaster': Israel scrambles for clarity as Trump touts emerging Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relayed Israel’s red lines to Trump, but given the current rift between the two leaders, the demands may be little more than a wish list. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran-US draft deal would release $24B in funds, ensure Lebanon ceasefire: Iranian media The draft circulating in Iranian state media, which Trump denied on Friday, would grant Tehran sanctions relief and access to billions in frozen funds while limiting final talks to nuclear issues and excluding its missile program and proxies. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no final decision yet on deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis As Trump admin drops Halkbank case, S-400 last big hurdle in US-Turkey ties By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Expectations low as Erdogan arrives in DC In tomorrow's meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will seek to persuade US President Donald Trump to reverse the decision to arm Syrian Kurdish militia, but Trump is unlikely to reverse course on the closest he has to a sure thing: victory in Raqqa. Syria
Will arming of YPG help open Kurdish corridor in Syria? The US decision to provide heavy weapons to the YPG for the Raqqa operation provides hope to Kurds in Syria, but Turkey worries that the arms will be used to establish a Kurdish corridor. Syria
What's behind Abbas' recent threats to Hamas? Following his first meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced his intention to take unprecedented measures against Hamas, raising questions about the timing of such threats. Palestine
Netanyahu trapped between Trump, Israeli right wing US President Donald Trump would like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assistance in tabling the issue of moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, but Netanyahu fears the reaction of his right-wing coalition partners. Palestine
Did Rouhani sell 'grand bargain' with US to Iranian voters? At a campaign rally, President Hassan Rouhani said Iranian officials are ready to negotiate with the United States on non-nuclear issues. United States
US may waive Iran sanctions in coming days The Trump administration could issue waivers of some Iran nuclear sanctions the week of May 15 as it adheres to the nuclear deal for now while conducting a review of its Iran policy. United States
Setting low bar for Trump-Erdogan meeting With US-Turkey relations in crisis, the meeting of the US and Turkish presidents will be about appearances over substance; Saudis will press Trump on Iran; storm clouds over Sinjar; Hamas clamps down on journalists. Saudi Arabia
Anxiety high among Israeli right as Trump visit nears The Israeli right is apprehensive about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit as he continues to proclaim his determination to make a deal ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
Will US-Kurdish deal force Turkey back to PKK negotiation table? As Turkey's conflict with the PKK drags on and the United States has made obvious its support for Syria's Kurds, now would be an opportune time to restart negotiations with the PKK. Syria
What Saudi leaders expect from Trump’s visit Saudi officials see an opportunity to gain influence in the Middle East when US President Donald Trump visits their country later this week. Saudi Arabia
US continues buildup of Iraqi Kurdish forces The United States is supporting the Kurdistan Region by developing its military forces, but the support is a balancing act with Baghdad as they oppose building an independent Kurdish army. Iraq
Will Trump launch Mideast shuttle diplomacy? Palestinian leadership hopes that US President Donald Trump’s upcoming regional visit will advance the launching of a peace process based on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine