Netanyahu fears being left out as Trump pursues Iran diplomacy Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was not surprised by President Donald Trump’s suspension of Project Freedom and move toward talks with Iran, but analysts say Washington may not be fully weighing Israel's concerns in negotiations with Tehran. Israel
Analysis CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US strikes Iran tankers as UAE reports fresh missile, drone attacks Strikes on Iranian tankers and fresh exchanges in the Gulf escalate tensions as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a deal proposal. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response US strikes and renewed exchanges in Hormuz cast doubt on the ceasefire as the Trump administration awaits Tehran’s response to a new proposal. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hezbollah commanders killed as renewed strikes test Lebanon-Israel talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
What Russia has to gain from relations with Hamas Russia's recent steps to further its rapprochement with Hamas are connected to its existing alliance with Iran and the overall situation in the region. Palestine
US vows to press ahead with Iraq bomb clearance despite criticism A State Department audit released this week criticizes the agency’s approach to oversight of efforts to clear improvised explosive devices and mines in Iraq. Iraq
US touts success of Syria cease-fire negotiated with Russia Despite recent sanctions on Russia, the Donald Trump administration sees a path forward for cooperation with Moscow in Syria. Jordan
Egyptian lawmakers rile Congress with US gun violence jab In a letter to Congress protesting a US travel advisory, an Egyptian parliamentary delegation downplayed the threats to Coptic Christians in the country, comparing the statistics on violence against them to shootings in US cities. Egypt
Turkey hints at new operation in Syria Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raises the stakes in Syria by hinting that Ankara will launch a new incursion to build on its previous one. Syria
Russia, US to maintain contacts on Syria despite sanctions US and Russian officials will try to maintain contacts concerning world hotspots within the limits imposed by US sanctions on the Kremlin. Syria
Congress moves bill cutting Palestinian aid over ‘martyr’ stipends The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 17-4 for the Taylor Force Act after modifications were made to get Democrats on board. Palestine
Iran hawks, Bannon loyalists booted in White House purge A civil war for the soul of the Donald Trump administration has emerged into the open, pitting a motley array of anti-globalists and Iran hawks against more moderate national security professionals. United States
US pushes back on Turkish media claims about Syrian Kurds US Embassy in Ankara refutes fevered claims about aid deliveries to Syrian Kurds. Syria
Most Israelis, Palestinians are tired of fighting Israeli right-wing legislators do all they can to keep the two-state solution at a distance, yet a majority of Israelis still support it. Palestine
Iraq eager to get back antiquities smuggled to US Iraq is diligently working to recover relics from the United States that were looted from Iraqi archaeological sites. Iraq