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
Intel: Progressives defend Robert Malley as Biden's possible Iran envoy Critics accuse the former Obama official of overlooking Iran's human rights record. Congress
'A prudent first step': State Department reviewing UAE, Saudi arms sales The administration has suspended major foreign arms sales in what the State Department characterized as a routine decision. United States
Biden administration pauses arms sales to Gulf pending review The freeze includes the F-35 deal for the United Arab Emirates and bombs for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Biden Administration increases B-52 bombers in region as deterrent to Iran The United States Air Force has sent a sixth sortie of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over the Middle East. United States
US envoy previews Biden's Israeli-Palestinian policy at the United Nations Washington plans to reestablish diplomatic missions with the Palestinian Authority and defend Israel from "bias" at the UN. Israel
Intel: CENTCOM chief tours Mideast in first trip under Biden administration Gen. Kenneth McKenzie is scheduled to stop in Israel later this week as the Joe Biden administration seeks strategic dialogue to build on the Abraham Accords. Israel
Congress approves waiver for Lloyd Austin to become defense secretary The Senate is expected to confirm the former CENTCOM commander as Pentagon chief Friday. Congress
Intel: House Democrats call on Biden to reform Middle East war powers California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee and House committee leaders wasted no time calling on the new president to rein in two-decade-old legislation on the authorization of military force. United States
Biden to talk Iran deal in early calls with foreign leaders, White House says Incoming Biden administration officials have suggested a return to the nuclear deal is a long way off. United States
The Takeaway: Who goes first in return to Iran nuclear deal? Iran President Hassan Rouhani says ‘we are ready’; US Secretary of State designate Blinken says Iranian compliance, consultations with allies critical to new deal; Al-Monitor archive interviews with two members of Biden team; Egypt’s animal problems. Iran
What Democrats' Senate majority means for the Mideast Incoming Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez opposed the Iran nuclear deal and has been a proponent of the US recognizing the Armenian genocide. Congress
US soldier arrested for allegedly advising Islamic State on attacks Pfc. Cole James Bridges' arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny on extremism in the military. United States
