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Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on Gaza in light of ceasefire and hostage release at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on Jan. 20, 2025.

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Palestinian FM: Ready to work with Trump; Saudi payments to PA resumed

Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian told Al-Monitor in first such interview since taking the position that Palestinian officials are ready to "work closely" with President Donald Trump for a negotiated settlement.

By Daoud Kuttab

In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics

Egypt's Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly (L) welcomes China's Premier Li Qiang upon his arrival at Cairo International Airport in Egypt's capital, on July 9, 2025.

China’s premier makes first visit to Egypt as ties grow: What we know

Egypt and China have significantly deepened their ties in recent years across various sectors such as trade, defense, technology and the economy.

Egypt

US envoy Barrack pushes deal between Syria's Sharaa, Kurdish commander Kobane

The talks come amid shifting dynamics on the ground and a reduced US military presence in the northeast.

Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) holds the letter he sent to the Nobel Peace Prize committee to nominate US President Donald Trump (L) for the Nobel Peace Prize during a dinner in the Blue Room of the White House, Washington, July 7, 2025.

Analysis

With Hamas dismantled, Netanyahu seeks Trump’s green light to strike Iran again

While talks continue in Doha over a possible Gaza ceasefire deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring the US administration to allow Israel to strike Iran again if no nuclear agreement is reached.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

A S-200 surface-to-air missile system is on display as heavy weaponry, including ballistic missiles, air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, are showcased during an exhibition that marks the 44th anniversary of the 8-year war with Iraq, known as the "Holy Defense Week", in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran on Sept. 26, 2024.

Analysis

Can China and Russia fill Iran's defense vacuum after 12-day war?

With its air defenses shattered by Israeli strikes in the recent war, Iran is scrambling to rebuild amid growing public doubt over the reliability of its "strategic alliances."

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Turkey’s Sozcu TV forced off air in latest crackdown on opposition: What to know

Turkey

White House upbeat about Gaza deal as Hamas signals impasse

A Palestinian boy searches for things to rescue at a garbage waste dump in the Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip on July 7, 2025.

Israel

Iran FM visits Saudi Arabia as kingdom makes push for regional diplomacy

Saudi Arabia

Syria’s Sharaa in UAE seeking investments amid Israel talks push

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received His Excellency Ahmad Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, who is on a working visit to the country.

United Arab Emirates

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Rami Al Ali poses for a picture in his studio in Dubai on July 1, 2025.

Syrian designer Rami Al Ali to make history at Paris Couture Week

Agence France-Presse

This picture released by Yemen's Huthi rebels shows explosives being detonated aboard the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas on Sunday during their first attack on Red Sea shipping this year.

Six rescued from cargo ship attacked in Red Sea: EU naval force

Agence France-Presse

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the press in Washington

Israel FM says Hamas truce deal 'achievable' despite hurdles in talks

Agence France-Presse

Arbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, will now get 24-hour electricity

Iraq's Kurdistan enjoys all-day state electricity

Agence France-Presse

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The Al-Monitor Brief

CHP court case: setback for Turkey’s opposition, win for Erdogan?

Adam Lucente interviews Ezgi Akin

8:47

The Al-Monitor Brief

Are Israel and Hamas nearing Gaza ceasefire deal as Trump ups pressure?

Adam Lucente interviews Rina Bassist

11:18

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Iran was battered by Israel and US, but its regime is intact as Iranians rally around flag, says Vali Nasr

Amberin Zaman interviews Vali Nasr

36:16

ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

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Interview

Former French PM says Trump has ‘immense opportunity’ in Mideast

Dominique de Villepin

Former French prime minister

Interview

Iran open to regional consortium, enriched uranium transfer in US nuclear talks

Amir Saeid Iravani

Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN

Interview

Amos Yadlin: Israel's goal to enable Trump to reach better Iran deal than 2015

Amos Yadlin

Former head of Israeli military intelligence

Interview

How Red Sea attacks prepared Egypt’s economy for future shocks

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

With Hamas dismantled, Netanyahu seeks Trump’s green light to strike Iran again

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Elite gamers chase $70M at Saudi Esports World Cup as Riyadh eyes bigger prize

People attend the international esports gamers Next World Forum, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Sept. 7, 2022.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Turkey’s defense industry eyes $200B opportunity from NATO's 5% push

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Can China and Russia fill Iran's defense vacuum after 12-day war?

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Al-Monitor chief correspondent Amberin Zaman interviews H.E. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The Future of Energy and Power in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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1:38:51

Al-Monitor's State Department Correspondent Elizabeth Hagedorn stands on a balcony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia reporting on President Trump's trip to the Gulf.

President Trump's Visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE

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1:04

Plestia Alaqad on Gaza and South Lebanon

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5:00

US investor Steve Witkoff attends the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 18, 2024.

Who is Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff?

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1:22

ALM Events

Convening global leaders in business, policy and media.

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Past Live Journalism

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright

On May 22, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington DC to discuss the future of power and energy in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Washington, DC

May 22, 2025 10:30 EDT

Past Live Journalism

AI, innovation & global growth: Dr. Marwan Al-Zarouni & Dr. Alaa Murabit speak at event in Washington

Al-Monitor Global Institute hosted Dr. Marwan Al-Zarouni, chief AI officer at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, alongside Dr. Alaa Murabit, senior advisor at 500 Global, for a high-level conversation on how AI is accelerating innovation and transforming global economic development.

Washington, DC

April 23, 2025 16:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

UAE presidential advisor HE Dr. Anwar Gargash speaks at AL-Monitor event during UNGA

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, AL-Monitor hosted HE Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, for an off-the-record dinner and discussion at Le Jardinier of the Bastion Collection. The event was attended by thought and business leaders as well as former officials.

New York City, NY

September 26, 2024 18:00 EDT

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