Explainer Israel's Armenian genocide recognition marks new front against Turkey Analysts say the expected vote for recognition is not morally motivated, but intended to spite the Turkish leader. Israel
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran insists on right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz Supreme Court backs Trump move to end Syrians’ deportation protections; Lebanon cancels national high school exams; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Trump hints at F-35 breakthrough with Turkey ahead of NATO summit The administration is moving ahead with planned jet engine sales to Ankara ahead of next month’s NATO summit despite congressionally mandated sanctions on Turkey's defense industry. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Rubio courts GCC support on Iran deal as UAE warns over Hormuz By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Pompeo outlines ‘maximum pressure’ plan for Iran Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would rally the world to impose crippling economic pressure on Iran to persuade it to submit to a broad set of demands, or face regime change. United States
What did Putin mean by withdrawing 'foreign armed forces' from Syria? Netanyahu leaves his troubles behind. Israel
Syria talks involve many cooks — and many kitchens As would-be peacemakers wrapped up another round of talks in Kazakhstan, organizers announced the next negotiations on Syria will be held in Russia. Syria
Israel’s policies threaten to spark religious war Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s settlement policies and President Donald Trump’s decisions on the nuclear deal and the American Embassy play into the hands of religious zealots in Iran and in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Iran war concerns complicate use of force debate on Capitol Hill Congressional efforts to update the president’s powers to fight terrorists are running into resistance from Democrats worried about the administration’s hawkish turn. Congress
Turkish-Israeli gap widens with bitter exchanges Turkey’s ties with Israel could be heading for a historic breakdown as tensions with the United States groan under ever greater weight. Palestine
Why China may not come to Iran’s rescue While China remains committed to the implementation of the nuclear deal with Iran, the extent of its economic interaction with the Islamic Republic may be limited by US sanctions. United States
Will new US sanctions affect Iran’s support for Hamas? While some believe new US sanctions will affect Iran’s economy and subsequently its financial support for Palestinian factions, others say this support is atop Iran’s priorities and won't stop. Palestine
Congress puts US military sales to Turkey in jeopardy Lawmakers in both chambers want to penalize the NATO ally for detaining an American pastor and signing arms deals with Russia. Turkey
Iran maneuvers around gaps to preserve interests in Syria The West’s new activism on Syria is pushing Iran to adapt its approach, though its bottom line remains the same. Israel
As Trump squeezes Iran, Europe squirms Europe and the Donald Trump administration are increasingly at odds, as Europe tries to rescue the Iran nuclear deal and Trump tries to squeeze it into making further concessions. United States
Pentagon OKs $90 million for Lebanese army amid Hezbollah gains The Donald Trump administration is outfitting the Lebanese Armed Forces with supply trucks and Humvees. Lebanon