House passes ICC sanctions bill, setting up showdown for Biden and Democrats After passing the House with bipartisan support, the bill responding to a requested arrest warrant for Netanyahu now heads to the Senate. Israel
Iran's Ahmadinejad, Haghanian grab spotlight in tight presidential race All eyes are now on the hard-line Guardian Council, which is expected to remove the vast majority of the 80 hopefuls, leaving a limited number to compete in a controlled election process. Iran
US joins Europeans in rare censure of Iran at UN nuclear watchdog The International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-member board of governors has voted to censure Iran for the first time since November 2022. Iran
Egypt’s foreign reserves hit record $46B on back of UAE, IMF deals Egypt’s foreign reserves have been boosted by a recent Emirati investment in the Ras El-Hekma coastal area, though the economy is still struggling with inflation. Egypt
Le Drian says France keen to help Saudi Arabia transition away from oil France's former top diplomat said that his country was supportive of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia
Israeli war cabinet calls Lebanon meeting as Hezbollah tension spikes Israel's war cabinet is set to convene to discuss the escalation of violence on the border with Lebanon. Israel
Iran’s acting FM meets Assad in Syria after talks with Hezbollah chief Iran has been backing its proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas, in their fight against Israel since the Gaza war erupted. Iran
In China, Turkey’s Fidan says he plans to attend BRICS meeting in Russia The top Turkish diplomat says his country explores new opportunities with BRICS Turkey
Analysis Netanyahu in bind: Save his far-right coalition or save Israel from isolation In an attempt to persuade them not to oppose the hostage deal now on the table, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is telling the extremist ministers in his cabinet not to take Biden’s plan at face value. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
