Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
In first foreign visit, Pope Leo meets Erdogan, urges Turkey to uphold pluralism On his inaugural foreign visit to Turkey, Pope Leo called for respect for pluralism after meeting with the Turkish president. Turkey
Analysis Pope Leo in Turkey, navigating faith, politics and Orthodox tensions The visit will bolster Turkey’s image on religious tolerance and shared positions with the Vatican while Ankara navigates sensitive issues surrounding the Halki Seminary and the Greek Patriarchate’s ecumenical status. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Germany lifts Israel arms embargo: What changed in Berlin? With the ceasefire in place, even though violated at times, Berlin decided to lift the partial arms embargo it imposed on Israel. Israel
Analysis UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Is Turkey ready to join European Union as Erdogan jump-starts its bid? In line with its founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s vision, Turkey had historically positioned itself as a part of the Europe. Erdogan’s unexpected push may lead to some progress in certain avenues, experts and observers believe. Turkey
Erdogan’s NATO moves agitate Russia but don’t spell Turkey's sharp shift to West The Turkish leader is navigating Ankara’s relationships in ways that he believes best benefit Turkey’s interests and above all his own political survival. Turkey
Analysis Tunisia-Italy cable project part of effort to connect energy grids with Europe: World Bank Other North African countries are also interested in connecting grids with Europe. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Israel’s FM Cohen discusses Iran threat, energy cooperation in Greece Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met Thursday with newly his appointed Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis. Israel
Turkey, Greece to resume confidence-building talks The resumption of confidence-building negotiations comes as a culmination of the fence-mending steps between Ankara and Athens since the devastating Feb. 6 quakes that hit Turkey. Turkey
Canada, Ukraine take case against Iran for downed plane to UN court Iran recently sentenced members of the armed forces to prison for their role in shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in 2020, but Canada, Ukraine and other countries whose citizens died in the incident continue to reject Iran’s handling of the matter. Iran
As protests continue against Sweden, OIC to meet in Saudi on Quran burning Member states are set to discuss measures to be taken against attacks on the Muslim holy book. Turkey
Israeli Mossad interrogated inside Iran agent who had operated in Cyprus Mossad published more details on a daring operation on Iranian soil, where its agents tracked and interrogated a head of an Iranian terror cell who had plotted to kill an Israeli in Cyprus. Israel
Middle East condemns, protests Quran burning in Sweden by Iraqi refugee Quran burnings in Sweden have damaged the potential NATO member’s relationship with Turkey. Turkey
European Parliament committee calls to prosecute Israel for war crimes The Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament hopes to get the plenum to approve a resolution encouraging the International Court to charge Israel with war crimes. Israel
Israel thanks Cyprus for stopping alleged Iranian plan to attack Israelis Israel is expressing gratitude to Cypriot authorities who reportedly stopped an Iranian attack on Israelis in the country, where Iran was accused of plotting to attack Israelis back in 2021. Israel
France's Le Drian visits Lebanon in bid to break presidential deadlock French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian’s visit to Beirut comes as parliament failed for the 12th time to elect a president. Lebanon
