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
In first AI crackdown, Turkey blocks access to some Grok content The access ban marked the first AI content censorship in Turkey, stemming from offensive material targeting the Turkish president, religious values, and the country’s founder. Turkey
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
Analysis Is Red Sea truce over? What Houthi attacks mean for US, regional stability The renewed Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea may give Iran time to recover from the June war with Israel, according to some observers. By Adam Lucente , Rosaleen Carroll
White House upbeat about Gaza deal as Hamas signals impasse US envoy Steve Witkoff said Israel and Hamas could agree to a 60-day truce and the release of 10 living hostages by the end of the week. Israel
Iran FM visits Saudi Arabia as kingdom makes push for regional diplomacy The meeting in Mecca comes as Saudi Arabia steps up its diplomatic engagement with key global powers with the aim of managing regional tensions. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s Sozcu TV forced off air in latest crackdown on opposition: What to know As Istanbul's mayor remains jailed, pressure mounts on opposition-aligned media to soften their criticism, analysts say. Turkey
As wildfires ravage Latakia, Syria seeks EU support: What to know Syria has been combating massive wildfires in coastal Latakia province for six days. Syria
