Analysis 'He knew it was over': Inside Netanyahu’s response to Trump’s Iran deal as Israel recalibrates Despite all his efforts, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu realized there is nothing he could do to prevent President Donald Trump from signing a deal with Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Region welcomes US-Iran deal Gulf states, Turkey and Lebanon cautiously praise the framework while urging full implementation and protection of maritime trade routes. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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 By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no final decision yet on deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iran weighs in on new US foreign policy post election Iranian politicians’ reaction to Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections has chiefly focused on the potential impact of new US policies on the nuclear deal. United States
Is it time for a national settlement in Iraq? The predominantly Shiite National Alliance that constitutes the majority of the Iraqi parliament released a document for national reconciliation for the post-Islamic State phase, though it is far from being implemented on the ground. Iraq
Turkey's domestic policy losing its foreign friends Turkey’s foreign relations continue to deteriorate, especially with Europe. Turkey
A look at battle for Raqqa from a Kurdish perspective A YPG commander told Al-Monitor in an interview that Kurdish militias will help the Syrian Democratic Forces liberate Raqqa but won’t remain in the city after the Islamic State is expelled. Syria
The Russian-Iranian alliance that wasn't Collaboration between Iran and Russia on regional matters is growing, but there are still major obstacles to a true Russian-Iranian alliance. Russia
Russia emerges as a center of gravity for Israel Given that Russia’s influence in the Middle East excluding Syria remains limited, Moscow is looking for other entry points — but can Israel offer such an opportunity? Palestine
US promises Turkey role in Raqqa in surprise Ankara meeting The United States has reached out to Turkey, which is fuming over US support for Kurdish-led forces in Syria, by sending its chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to meet with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara and discuss Raqqa. Syria
Saudi Arabia losing ground to Iran Saudi influence in the region has been on the decline for a number of reasons, and the kingdom has now suffered another setback in Lebanon with the election of President Michel Aoun, an ally of Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia
How Iran’s auto industry became the new domestic political football Iranian hard-liners are targeting automotive sector policies in their latest attack on the administration of President Hassan Rouhani. United States
Clinton and Trump: How will it end? The presidential election is finally coming to an end — with 82% of voters saying the election has left them disgusted. United States
Jordan seeks US government's help in fight against terror finance lawsuit The Jordanian Embassy has hired Hogan Lovells to lobby the US government over a billion-dollar lawsuit against Jordan’s biggest bank. Jordan
Anti-US talk dominates Iranian media on anniversary of hostage crisis Across Iran, solemn speeches on the anniversary of the 1979 US Embassy takeover praised Tehran's defiance and expressed reservations about engaging with Washington. United States