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 says oil blockade has cost $5 billion in lost revenue The Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation said the closure of oil facilities in January has led to billions in losses. Libya
Intractable war in Libya risks becoming the next Syria: French foreign minister French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian warned of the "Syrianization" of war-torn Libya. Libya
Intel: Russian jets intercept US Navy plane over eastern Mediterranean Two Russian fighter aircraft intercepted a US Navy patrol plane over the eastern Mediterranean. Syria
US warns of NATO security threat as Russian jets arrive in Libya The fighter aircraft were delivered via Syria, where they were reportedly painted "to camouflage their Russian origin." Turkey
Egypt announces international anti-Turkey alliance Egypt announced an international alliance that includes Greece, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates and France to confront Turkish provocative moves in Libya and the Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Pompeo warns against Libya weapons flows in PM call As Libya's United Nations-backed government reclaimed parts of the capital today, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed an end to the fighting with the embattled prime minister. Libya
Libya's GNA takes back more of southern Tripoli from Hifter The Government of National Accord says it captured a string of towns from military strongman Khalifa Hifter this week. Libya
Is Turkey on moderation path in its foreign policy? Conciliatory messages coming out of Ankara recently may appear as an effort to moderate Turkish foreign policy vis-a-vis the United States, Europe and Israel, but they are likely to be just maneuvering to weather the many stalemates in Turkey's foreign ties. Egypt
As Hifter loses ground in Libya, Egypt weighs options to support him While Egypt supports Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter against the Turkish-backed Government National Accord, it will refrain from interfering directly in the war. Egypt
Ankara warns Hifter to lay off Turkish assets in Libya Threats are escalating between Turkey and Libyan warlord Khalifa Hifter, and Moscow seems to be egging them on despite its calls for a ceasefire. Turkey
UN-backed forces in Libya launch airstrikes as Hifter withdraws The Government of National Accord has struck the rebel commander’s stronghold for his western operations, destroying two military vehicles. Libya
Hifter’s forces in Libya withdraw from parts of Tripoli in major setback The capture of two towns and a key air base were the latest in a series of setbacks for military strongman Khalifa Hifter. Libya
