US military delivers humanitarian aid to Lebanon in wake of Beirut explosion

The US military is sending three aircraft loads of food, water and medical supplies to Beirut.

Lebanon

US to submit UN resolution to extend Iran arms embargo next week: Pompeo

The arms embargo is set to expire in October as part of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major world powers.

United States

Pentagon contradicts Trump’s claim on Beirut ‘attack’

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper contradicted Donald Trump's suggestion that the explosion in Beirut was an "attack," saying instead that it was likely caused by an accident.

Lebanon

Intel: US says there’s no ‘winning side’ in Libya

The US is amplifying calls to restore oil sharing in Libya in hopes of stabilizing the conflict and likely reducing Hifter's dependence on Russia

Libya

State Department remains concerned by Turkey’s proxy fighters in northern Syria

Turkey-allied fighters have faced widespread accusations of arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings and other abuses in northern Syria.

Syria

KRG seeks US help to rein in Turkish attacks

While the United States has denied rumors that a US military delegation met with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party in the Qandil mountains, sources tell Al-Monitor that a team of US special operations forces went to inspect sites damaged in Turkish airstrikes.

Iraqi-Kurdistan

Rouhani: Iran’s economy handled pandemic better than US

Iran’s president said his country’s economy is in a comparatively better shape than the US and European states' ones when it comes to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

United States

Parents of detained journalist Austin Tice urge Trump to talk directly with Syrian regime

The new plea from Marc and Debra Tice comes on the heels of John Bolton's allegations that he and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thought it was a bad idea for President Trump to engage with his Syrian counterpart.

Syria

Pro-Iran militias continue hitting military bases in Iraq

Hitting military bases in Baghdad and other areas, armed groups linked to Iran continues to call for revenge for the January killing of their former leaders Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Iraq

US expands sanctions on Iran metals trade, citing ballistic missile program

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expands metals-related sanctions on Iran, naming 22 materials used in connection with Iran’s nuclear, military or ballistic missile programs.

United States

Iranian supermarket opens in Venezuelan capital

Iran and Venezuela maintain strong economic ties despite US sanctions on both countries.

United States

Egypt acquires Russian fighter jets despite US warning

Russian media outlets reported that a first batch of the Su-35 fighter jets are en route to Egypt as part of a 2018 deal over which Washington threatened Cairo with sanctions.

Egypt