Pakistan's army chief visits Iran as Islamabad dials up mediation push 

Pakistan intensifies Iran mediation efforts, Syria’s Sharaa secures a G7 invite and Azerbaijan stirs tensions in Turkey.

Ezgi Akin
Ezgi Akin
May 21, 2026
Tehran's Enghelab Square, where a huge billboard has been erected in support of Iran's national football team for the 2026 World Cup

Welcome back to the Daily Briefing.

This is Ezgi Akin, filling in for Gabrielle. 

In today’s edition:

  • Pakistan dials up mediation push 
  • Arab Israeli lawmaker says Arab parties could help block Bibi
  • Syria’s Sharaa to attend G7 
  • Azerbaijani envoy draws criticism in Turkey
  • Outrage in Lebanon over detention of animal rights activists

Thanks for reading, 

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