Israel blocks Saudi, UAE and other FMs from West Bank visit: What to know The move to block the visit comes amid heightened international pressure on Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza and make progress toward Palestinian statehood, a key condition for normalization with Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Analysis With clock ticking, Iran shows mix of defiance, engagement in nuclear talks A tug-of-war over Iran's uranium enrichment continues to hint at an impasse in the US-Iran nuclear talks, but Tehran is also subtly exhibiting flexibility on allowing American inspectors into its nuclear sites. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya A sweeping display of arms and alliances in Benghazi reflects Khalifa Haftar’s effort to project statehood, Moscow’s deeper investment in Libya, and a shifting power balance that could reshape peace prospects. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Egypt to ramp up ties with Belarus as Russia opens Red Sea consulate Russia plans to open a new consulate in coastal Sharm el-Sheikh, following Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Moscow and signs of growing ties between Egypt and Belarus. Egypt
Protests surge as Libyans demand PM Dbeibeh’s resignation: What to know The latest protests were triggered by clashes between government-aligned militias in mid-May that left eight dead and deepened public frustration over militia control in Tripoli. Libya
