US military helped Israel intercept Iran's missiles: What to know Iranian barrages targeting Israel came after Israeli warplanes struck the outskirts of Beirut, despite the White House publicly signaling its opposition to such strikes. Iran
Peace talks tested but continue after Iran-Israel escalation President Donald Trump said “final negotiations on ‘peace’ are proceeding,” while Iran said the talks were unfolding “in an atmosphere of deep mistrust.” Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran halts strikes on Israel after Trump warning Tehran says its military operations are over after a day of heavy exchanges with Israel, as Trump presses both sides to stop firing. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Analysis Why Israel sees Lebanon’s 'pilot zones' as path to containing Hezbollah 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
Turkish NBA player's father acquitted of terrorism charges in Turkey Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is an outspoken critic of the Turkish government, which has led to trouble for his family back home. Turkey
Can Trump secure release of all US hostages in Iran? Another prisoner exchange between Iran and the United States seems possible after two in just six months, but the previous exchanges have not generated any mutual trust. United States
Intel: Democrats condemn US broadcasting CEO’s Middle East purges after expanding office’s powers President Donald Trump’s new CEO of the US Agency for Global Media on Wednesday fired the heads of at least three of its outlets who collectively oversaw its Middle East and Iran coverage. The move sparked immediate condemnation from key Democrats despite their previous bipartisan support for expanding the CEO’s powers. Congress
Intel: Bolton says Trump sought to drop charges against Turkish bank at Erdogan’s behest President Donald Trump allegedly sought to convince the Justice Department to drop charges against Turkey’s Halkbank at the request of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, The Wall Street Journal reported in an overview of former national security adviser John Bolton’s tell-all book. Turkey
Rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone again A series of such attacks is happening as the United States and Iraq discuss the future of the US military presence in the country. Iraq
Intel: Russian-built aircraft actively using Libya’s Jufra air base Russian fighter aircraft recently delivered to Libya in support of Khalifa Hifter's campaign against the Tripoli-based government are now being put to use. Libya
Intel: Pompeo speaks with Iraq’s new foreign minister Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Iraq’s new Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein by phone on Tuesday. Iraq
Intel: Assad, wife named in new Syria sanctions The US State Department has warned more sanctions are coming in the weeks and months ahead as part of the Caesar Act. Syria
Battleground state Democrats warn against annexation after AIPAC greenlights criticism Eight Senate candidates in battleground states are warning Israel against annexing the West Bank after the American Israel Public Affairs Committee greenlit the criticism. Israel
US kills two al-Qaeda affiliates in northwest Syria A US drone struck a vehicle carrying two senior commanders of Huras al-Din, one a Jordanian leader and the other a Yemeni leader of the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group. Syria
Iraqi forces thwart rocket attack near US troops Iraq's success in stopping a rocket attack comes after dialogue with the United States on reducing US troop levels and protecting international coalition forces in the country. Iraq
Report: King Abdullah of Jordan refused phone call with Israeli PM due to annexation Jordan-Israel relations continue to worsen over Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank in July. Israel