In 'warning shot,' US threatens sanctions on Iran’s trading partners Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said countries were given "defined timelines" to halt business with Iran or face US sanctions. Iran
Oil falls 1.8% as traders await 'toughest' sanctions on Iran Traders are awaiting details about new US measures sure to further disrupt Iranian oil flows. Iran
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran threatens ‘devastating’ response as US ramps up sanctions Syrian Kurds announce integration with Damascus; US Treasury issues Hezbollah Iran-linked sanctions; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Does Iranian law consider US a hostile state? Although Iran and the United States have been in a near-constant state of hostility over the past 3½ decades, it is still unclear whether the United States is technically an "enemy state" according to Iranian law. United States
US cool to Russia pause in Aleppo strikes Washington expressed skepticism about Russia’s plan to extend a pause in airstrikes on Aleppo until Nov. 4 so those needing medical care and opposition fighters could leave the city. Syria
Saudis turn to US states in bid to repeal 9/11 bill Riyadh’s latest lobbying push aims to enroll state governors. Saudi Arabia
Arabs seek new partnership with next US president A new poll shows widespread distrust but reliance on the United States. Saudi Arabia
What is Turkey up to in northern Syria? As Turkey advances in northern Syria as part of its Euphrates Shield offensive, taking control of al-Bab and Manbij would give Ankara access to the Aleppo front. Iraq
Where does US-Tunisian military cooperation end? Tunisians are opposed to the US-Tunisian military cooperation under the pretext of fighting terrorism, claiming that it undermines the country’s sovereignty and independence. Libya
Is Yemen headed for partition? An open-ended cease-fire is needed for Yemen, but a de facto partition of the country is more likely. Saudi Arabia
Clinton and Trump going all in as Election Day nears With less than 10 days until Election Day, both major party nominees are campaigning hard in battleground states. United States
Who will liberate Raqqa? The United States says a military operation to isolate the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa needs to get underway within weeks, but Turkey as well as Washington’s Syrian Arab allies oppose any plan to use Kurdish forces to take the city. Iraq
Two Americans detained in tense Tunisia border town Matters got interesting after two American brothers in their early 30s traveled to a Tunisian town near the Algerian border. Tunisia
The many dimensions of Mosul, and what comes next There's much more at play in Mosul than a campaign for its immediate liberation from the Islamic State. Iraq
How dual nationality became a key controversy in Iran The issue of dual citizenship is turning into a full-blown political football in Iran, where 35 senior officials have been barred from holding office following probes into their citizenships. United States