Explainer Israel's Armenian genocide recognition marks new front against Turkey Analysts say the expected vote for recognition is not morally motivated, but intended to spite the Turkish leader. Israel
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran insists on right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz Supreme Court backs Trump move to end Syrians’ deportation protections; Lebanon cancels national high school exams; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Trump hints at F-35 breakthrough with Turkey ahead of NATO summit The administration is moving ahead with planned jet engine sales to Ankara ahead of next month’s NATO summit despite congressionally mandated sanctions on Turkey's defense industry. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Rubio courts GCC support on Iran deal as UAE warns over Hormuz By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US downplays Lebanon evacuation plans as all-out war looms As State Department urges Americans to flee on a dwindling number of commercial flights, a private rescue group is laying the groundwork for potential evacuations from Lebanon. Lebanon
Masdar acquisition of Terra-Gen stake builds on UAE-US renewable energy ties The UAE and the US launched a renewable energy partnership in 2022 with the view of deploying 100 GW of clean energy globally by 2035. United Arab Emirates
US warns Iran against 'imminent' ballistic missile attack on Israel The White House warned that a direct military attack on Israel would carry “severe consequences” for Iran. Iran
US boosts defense posture as Blinken urges diplomacy between Israel, Lebanon The White House is calling for a prioritization of diplomacy despite reports that Israel could be readying for a ground operation in Lebanon. Lebanon
Israel kept Pentagon in the dark about Beirut strikes, Austin says The White House ordered the US military to adjust force posture in the Middle East ‘as necessary’ after Israel defied Washington in a bid to kill Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, risking war with Iran. United States
Israel: Pentagon finalizes $8.7B arms package as strikes on Lebanon continue Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brushed aside the Biden administration's call for a cease-fire just days after Washington quietly released $3.5 billion in additional funds for the Israeli military. United States
What we know about Turkey-related charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams The indictment against Adams is largely based on his dealings with Turkish nationals and includes illegal travel benefits worth over $100,000. United States
Analysis Why UAE's upgrade to US 'major defense partner' will not deter China While the designation comes with many benefits for the UAE, placing it on par with India, it lacks the formal security guarantees provided to other nations, including South Korea and Japan. By Joyce Karam
No shift in US position on Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400s: Official A Turkish Defense Ministry official rebuffed claims that Turkey and the United States were close to a compromise on the impasse over Turkey having the Russian air defense systems. Turkey
US, UK militaries deploy troops to Cyprus in case of Lebanon evacuation Washington has not yet authorized an evacuation, but President Joe Biden acknowledged "all-out war is possible" as Israel mobilizes two reserve brigades amid threats of a potential ground incursion to root out Hezbollah. Lebanon
US, UK send troops to Cyprus in response to Lebanon crisis: What we know Western countries have been calling on citizens to depart Lebanon while some Lebanese residents are fleeing to Syria. Lebanon
Uber, China's WeRide to launch self-driving robotaxis in UAE WeRide already operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. United Arab Emirates