Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, architect of regional expansion, declared dead Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during US and Israeli strikes after serving for 36 years as the Islamic Republic’s second supreme leader. Iran
Iran's Araghchi doubles down on China, Russia ties at Shanghai meeting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi seized the opportunity at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China to denounce Israeli and US attacks on Iran, rally diplomatic support against sanctions and warn of regional instability should the fragile ceasefire collapse. Iran
Trump’s UN envoy pick, Waltz, vows to fight antisemitism, calls to end UNRWA In his role as ambassador to the world body, Mike Waltz pledged to veto what he described as a disproportionate number of anti-Israel resolutions. United States
UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed heads to Turkey amid heightened regional diplomacy The UAE president’s visit to Turkey comes as Turkish and Emirati involvement intensifies in regional diplomatic efforts, spanning conflicts from Syria-Israel talks to the South Caucasus. United Arab Emirates
Drone strike halts operations at Iraqi Kurdistan oil field: What to know A second drone attack in as many days has suspended operations at an oil facility in Iraqi Kurdistan, with initial investigations pointing to Iran-aligned armed groups. Iraq
Analysis Is Sharaa’s Druze crackdown a warning to Syria’s Kurds? Syrian Kurds, who control a quarter of Syria's territory in the north and the northeast, are closely watching events unfold in Suwayda. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Lebanon bans dealings with 4 Hezbollah-linked financial institutions Lebanon’s Central Bank has banned licensed financial institutions from interacting with unauthorized entities including those linked to Hezbollah. Lebanon
Syria announces ceasefire in Druze city of Suwayda: What to know The ceasefire followed deadly clashes between the Druze of Suwayda and Bedouin tribes that left over 100 people dead. Syria
