Saudi Arabia's MBS throws support behind Arab plan, rejects displacement of Palestinians Saudi affirmation of the Arab League plan would also see it stepping into a broader role in the development of Gaza vis-a-vis the commitment of funds, as Gulf states are seen as the primary financiers of reconstruction. Saudi Arabia
White House rejects Arab plan for postwar Gaza, insists on Trump's The Trump administration has rejected a joint Arab proposal for postwar Gaza out of hand, insisting on its plan to treat Gaza as a real estate development that observers have likened to ethnic cleansing. United States
Saudi PIF, Italy sign $3B export deal as ties grow under Meloni: What to know The agreement will help the kingdom's many giga projects as well as Italian exporters. Saudi Arabia
Arab states back Egypt’s $53 billion Gaza plan, ‘technocratic’ administration The plan, which additionally calls for the UN to consider sending peacekeepers to the Palestinian enclave, could face obstacles from Israel and Hamas. Palestine
Public backlash as Iran closes $3.7B corruption case, largest in its history With only two former ministers receiving lenient sentences, the $3.7 billion embezzlement scheme has reignited national debates on systemic corruption amid an increasingly dire economic climate. Iran
Trump’s Pentagon policy chief pick signals more military pressure on Iran Tossing aside his past arguments that the US can contain a nuclear-armed Iran, Elbridge Colby promised that if confirmed, he would provide the White House with military options to disrupt Tehran's nuclear program if diplomacy should fail. Iran
US green lights $95 million in aid for Lebanon’s army The Trump administration made an exception to its foreign assistance freeze for a $95 million aid package headed to Lebanon's armed forces. Lebanon
Analysis Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know Regional shifts, especially involving Iran, Syria and Turkey, are forcing Israel to reevaluate its complicated relations with Russia. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Iran spooked by Turkey’s overtures to Kurds, rising role in Syria, Iraq Iran and Turkey’s regional rivalry deepens as Ankara moves to make peace with the Kurds and expands its influence in Syria and Iraq at Tehran’s expense. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
