World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Turkey's FM heads to Italy amid rising tensions with Greece over EastMed, Libya The top Turkish diplomat is set to meet with his Italian counterpart, as Ankara seeks deeper cooperation with Rome amid a rivalry with Greece and ongoing Libya diplomacy. Turkey
Analysis After setbacks in Syria and Turkish gains in Libya, Russia scrambles to retain Mediterranean sway Moscow faces growing challenges coordinating in Libya and sustaining its regional presence after losing its key Syrian ally and confronting Ankara’s expanding influence. By Anton Mardasov
Turkey resumes flights to Libya's Misrata as Ankara courts Tripoli, Hifter The first direct flight from Istanbul to Misrata since 2015 underscores Turkey’s efforts to maintain good relations with the Tripoli government as well as its eastern-based rival. Turkey
Analysis Turkey’s power play in Libya tests Greece’s red lines By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Libya score-settling moves closer to Turkey’s borders Turkey’s intervention in the Libyan war is driving its adversaries to retaliate beyond Libya in conflict zones along Turkey’s own borders. Egypt
Egypt, Turkey show off naval strength in eastern Mediterranean Turkey conducted a military drill in the eastern Mediterranean that was followed by an Egyptian-French drill amid tensions in the region among Turkey, Greece and Cyprus on gas exploration, and between Turkey and Egypt on Libya. Egypt
Does Erdogan think Sisi is bluffing in Libya? Trump and Putin can prevent the "Syrianization" of Libya. Egypt
Intel: Saudi Arabia backs Egypt on Libya Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said his government supports Egypt’s calls for a cease-fire in Libya after a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. Saudi Arabia
Turkey untroubled by conflict with Egypt, UAE in Libya Ankara believes a large-scale Egyptian ground operation is highly unlikely in Libya, considering the likely dynamics of power struggles in the skies of Sirte and al-Jufra, between tribes in southern Libya and on air and naval logistical routes between Libya and Turkey. Egypt
Are Sinai attacks linked to Egypt’s plan to intervene in Libya? The Egyptian army thwarted a terrorist attack in the city of Bir al-Abed in the northern Sinai Peninsula, which analysts believe is associated with Egypt’s possible military intervention in neighboring Libya. Egypt
Intel: Russia may be reinforcing Libya’s Sirte ahead of expected offensive The US military has released new aerial surveillance images purporting to show additional Russian military equipment in Libya in the latest sign the Kremlin may be gearing up to help Gen. Khalifa Hifter defend the strategic city of Sirte. Turkey
Turkey, Russia agree to work for truce in Libya as regional rivalry heats up Despite backing opposing sides, Moscow and Russia have pledged to work toward a cease-fire in the North African country in a conflict that is fueling a complex maze of rivalries across the region. Turkey
Intel: Trump, MBZ talk ridding Libya of proxy fighters During a phone call Tuesday, the US president and Abu Dhabi’s crown prince discussed diffusing the Libyan crisis as a new battle looms in the strategic city of Sirte. United Arab Emirates
Erdogan condemns Egypt's actions in Libya as ‘illegal’ The Turkish president's remarks came a day after his Egyptian counterpart met with Libyan tribesmen in Cairo. Egypt
Intel: White House sympathizes with France in Libya row with Turkey White House National Security adviser Robert O’Brien on Wednesday expressed sympathy for France’s account of events in a Mediterranean naval standoff with Turkey last month over a Libyan arms smuggling allegation. Turkey
Putin, Mohamed bin Zayed seek to reclaim common ground on Libya The Russian and UAE leaders spoke Wednesday about the path ahead in Libya, seeking to minimize differences and recharge the political process. Libya