Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington. Washington Pulse
US, Israel hold second virtual meeting on Rafah Biden administration officials have denied offering to green-light an Israeli invasion of Rafah if Israel holds off on retaliating against Iran. Washington Pulse
State Department staffer resigns over Biden's handling of Gaza Annelle Sheline is the second State Department official to publicly resign since Oct. 7, citing the erosion of US credibility on human rights in the Middle East as a result of the war. Washington Pulse
US Navy plans for smaller fleet amid spending caps despite Middle East crisis Facing budget caps and new procurement delays, the Navy is poised to reduce the overall size of its fleet even as attacks by Iran and its proxies in Yemen have led to unprecedented disruptions of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Washington Pulse
Exclusive US government employees plan walkout over Biden’s Gaza policies By Joyce Karam , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Biden under pressure to reverse Trump's aid cuts in Yemen The Joe Biden administration faces growing calls from Democratic lawmakers and aid groups to reinstate funding to Houthi-held northern Yemen. Yemen
Pentagon says one dead, two wounded in last week’s Syria strike The United States confirms the death of a militia fighter belonging to an Iran-backed group in a recent airstrike on Abu Kamal. Originals
WATCH: Pentagon releases video of Iran ballistic missile attack on Iraq air base More than a dozen ballistic missiles rained down on Ain al-Asad and Erbil air bases in Iraq last year after the United States killed Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
US 'focused on future conduct’ amid calls to sanction MBS State Department spokesperson Ned Price responded to criticism that the administration has failed to hold Saudi Arabia's crown prince accountable for Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon: ‘No changes’ so far to US-Saudi military relations after Khashoggi report US military officials have taken point on maintaining ties with Middle Eastern leaders as the Biden administration talks tough on human rights. Originals
Trump Jr. slams Biden for Syria bombing The former president's son also criticized Congresswoman Liz Cheney in a reference to the Iraq War. The recent US airstrike against Iran-backed militias in Syria has divided both parties. Originals
Iran rejects EU invitation to talks with US on nuclear deal Tehran's rejection may be posturing, but the clock is ticking on chances to limit its nuclear capabilities. United States
Congress questions Biden's decision to bomb Syria Some Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are questioning the justification for the US airstrike against Iran-affiliated targets in eastern Syria. Syria
US report assesses Saudi crown prince 'approved' Khashoggi operation The four-page report based its conclusion, in part, off of "the Crown Prince's support for using violent measures to silence dissidents abroad." Originals
Biden approves airstrike on Iran-backed militias in Syria following Iraq attacks Officials suggested the late-night precision bombing was designed to minimize casualties while avoiding backlash from the Iraqi government. Iraq
Biden calls Saudi king as US readies report on Khashoggi killing Reuters reports the US intelligence assessment concluded "the crown prince approved and likely ordered the murder of Khashoggi.” Saudi Arabia
CENTCOM chief warns Iran over strikes on Erbil, Saudi Arabia Gen. Kenneth "'Frank" McKenzie warned Iran in the boldest statement yet from the Biden administration over the attacks. Saudi Arabia
