Analysis Will Democrats block Trump’s push to deliver Turkey F-35s, lift sanctions? Democratic control of Congress complicates Turkey’s push for F-35s and sanctions relief, but Ankara remains hopeful Trump can still broker a deal. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia Turkey will now decide the scope of military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Turkey
Massie renews Hegseth impeachment push as GOP blames Iran war for midterm losses Most Democrats and at least a few Republicans are said to support impeaching Hegseth, but President Donald Trump still publicly backs the beleaguered Pentagon chief, and House leadership can still try to prevent a vote on Rep. Massie's measure. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports Multiple recent reports reveal increased Russian support for Iran, including weapons and intelligence sharing. Iran
Hegseth fires Pentagon’s top strategist accused of leaks amid Iran war By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Intel: Congress advances key Israel military aid bill Congress is zeroing in on final passage of a 2-year-old military aid bill for Israel. Israel
Is Turkey on moderation path in its foreign policy? Conciliatory messages coming out of Ankara recently may appear as an effort to moderate Turkish foreign policy vis-a-vis the United States, Europe and Israel, but they are likely to be just maneuvering to weather the many stalemates in Turkey's foreign ties. Egypt
Intel: Palestinian Authority to suspend cooperation with CIA over US support for Israeli annexation The secretary-general of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Saeb Erekat, says his government has suspended its contacts with the CIA over the Trump administration’s support for Israel’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank. Palestine
Intel: US contracts Boeing to build new cruise missiles for Saudi Arabia, Qatar The US Navy awarded Boeing a nearly $2 billion contract Wednesday to provide Saudi Arabia with 650 new land attack cruise missiles, as well as to upgrade existing ones by the end of 2028. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Iraq’s Peshmerga Ministry pushes for joint security talks with Baghdad The Peshmerga Ministry of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region said it will send a delegation to Baghdad to discuss security cooperation and the situation in the disputed territories. Iraq
Five priorities for the US-Iraq strategic dialogue include recognizing regional role for Iraq US diplomacy during Iraqi transition sets tone for relationship. Iraq
Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq The US commander of Operation Inherent Resolve hopes allied forces will return to Iraq once the COVID-19 crisis subsides. Iraq
Israel demands UN expand peacekeeping mission in Lebanon Ahead of the renewal for the UNIFIL mandate this summer, and with tensions at the border increasing, Israel wants rules in place so that UN peacekeepers can be more effective. Israel
Was Trump’s call about oil with Saudi leader the start of a reset in relations? US-Saudi partnership faces both old and new challenges in post-COVID-19 Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Report: Trump threatened to remove US troops from Saudi if no oil production cut Trump told the Saudi Crown Prince that US troops would leave Saudi Arabia if OPEC did not cut production, according to a new report. Saudi Arabia
Intel: In letter to Trump, Erdogan bemoans Turkey’s poor reputation on Capitol Hill President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's personal letter to his counterpart Donald Trump was delivered today as part of Turkey’s COVID-19 relief package for the United States. Turkey
Pro-Sistani 'popular mobilization units' break with pro-Iran militias in Iraq A bold move by PMU groupings aligned with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is set to challenge the level of influence of pro-Iran militias in Iraq. Iraq
