Analysis Israel’s Lebanon endgame remains elusive despite ceasefire deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was compelled by President Donald Trump to accept a new ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but without a clear long-term strategy, he may be inclined to resume hostilities at the first opportunity. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran unveils new missile-armed fast attack boat: What to know The boats are the latest addition to Iran’s "mosquito fleet," a fleet of high-speed attack craft operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran
US sanctions network smuggling Iranian LPG as talks falter The sanctions come as President Donald Trump has offered mixed signals on prospects for a deal. United States
Analysis Why Israel sees Lebanon’s 'pilot zones' as path to containing Hezbollah Israel views the proposed pilot security zones in southern Lebanon as a pragmatic way to gradually expand Lebanese state control, push Hezbollah away from the border and preserve a fragile ceasefire while the Trump administration pursues broader negotiations with Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran’s Araghchi says US bases in region legitimate targets By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no progress in US talks as Khamenei warns of foreign plots By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkey sticks to its guns on Russian S-400s despite US sanctions Voices are growing louder in Turkey questioning why these systems were ever purchased, considering the headaches they have caused for Ankara. Turkey
Trump administration weighs immunity for Saudi crown prince Saad al-Jabri alleged that Mohammed bin Salman has led an attempt to lure him back to the kingdom and kill him. Saudi Arabia
Trump pardons Blackwater contractors convicted of Iraq massacre The incident in Baghdad's Nisoor Square deeply strained US-Iraqi ties and marred the reputation of the paramilitary company. Iraq
US show of force in Persian Gulf ahead of anniversary of Soleimani killing A guided-missile submarine and two cruisers are the Pentagon's latest warning to Iran. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Congress throws Sudan-Israel normalization deal lifeline Sudan is to get $700 million in assistance and $230 million in preliminary debt relief, but 9/11 victims can continue their lawsuit against Khartoum. Israel
Rockets target US Embassy in Baghdad ahead of anniversary of Soleimani killing At least one Iraqi civilian was injured in the strike, the US State Department said. Iraq
NYT retracts main story in hit 'Caliphate' podcast, citing failures New York Times reporter Rukmini Callimachi is being taken off the terrorism beat after an inquiry found missteps in verifying claims that the podcast's main subject had been an IS fighter. Iraq
Pompeo says Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 violates NATO agreements US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone call that Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system is a threat to the United States. . Turkey
Iran's Khamenei says nuclear deal can be reentered ‘without delay’ Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said there should be no delay in removing sanctions and reentering the nuclear deal. United States
Turkey won't back down from S-400s despite sanctions, says foreign minister Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara will "take steps" to respond to the US sanctions unveiled this week. Turkey
US treasury secretary to tour Middle East in final push for Abraham Accords Steven Mnuchin plans to stop in Israel, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Qatar. United Arab Emirates
Iran’s Khamenei vows ‘definite’ revenge for US killing of Soleimani Iran’s supreme leader said revenge for the killing of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani is a definite plan, as he called on regional nations to push for the ouster of US forces. United States