Exclusive 100 non-Syrian Kurds return to PKK’s Qandil stronghold under SDF-Damascus deal The transfer of non-Syrian PKK fighters to Iraq’s Qandil Mountains follows a US-brokered SDF-Damascus deal aimed at easing tensions and preserving Kurdish forces under national army oversight. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US used mobile launchers for missiles at Qatar base as Iran tensions rose, satellite pictures show Reuters
Israeli-Russian journalist removed from Netanyahu’s US flight: What to know Israeli-Russian journalist Nick Kolyohin was removed from the official Israeli Wing of Zion plane just before its departure for Washington, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump. Israel
Turkey, Saudi Arabia ink deal for production of Gokbey helicopters The deal comes amid advanced talks on Riyadh joining Ankara’s KAAN fighter jet program. Turkey
Fidan: Iran nuclear breakout could drag Turkey into regional arms race The top Turkish diplomat said an Iranian nuclear breakout could push Ankara into a nuclear race but declined to say whether Turkey would pursue its own nuclear weapons. Turkey
US sanctions Hezbollah-linked gold exchange, Iran-tied shipping network The move comes as the United States pursues a deal with Iran that would curb its support for Hezbollah and other regional militias. Lebanon
Kuwait blacklists eight Lebanon hospitals over alleged Hezbollah ties: What to know The affected hospitals, located in areas where Hezbollah has a heavy presence, are believed to be run by Hezbollah-affiliated institutions. Lebanon
Analysis Fearing Iran deal, Netanyahu races to US to sway Trump, sidestep Witkoff Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is flying to Washington to persuade President Donald Trump not to forget Iran's ballistic missile project and its proxies in the talks with Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
