Merz courts Gulf as Germany seeks energy alternatives to US, China Berlin is seeking to capitalize on ties with Gulf energy giants as relations with the United States have cooled amid strains over transatlantic defense commitments, Washington’s pursuit of Greenland and tariffs. Qatar
France's role in Syria-SDF agreement: What to know French diplomatic sources highlight the role played by Paris in recent months in reaching an agreement between the Sharaa government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Analysis Will EU’s terror listing of besieged Iran's IRGC backfire? The EU designation could ultimately render the IRGC an even more aggressive and defiant organization aboard, and a more assertive rights violator at home. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
European Union adds IRGC to terror list, expands sanctions As the extent of the killing of protests is gradually revealed, the European Union has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Iran
EU, Tunisia ink 'strategic partnership' to help economy, stem migrants It comes after weeks of talks between the two parties about the EU providing around 1 billion euros in aid, which would be dependent on Tunisia's IMF bailout. Tunisia
Iran rebukes Italy over 'terror sponsorship' after hosting MEK leader Iran was enraged by the Italian Senate Foreign Relations Committee after it hosted the leader of an opposition group that has been seeking regime change in Tehran for decades. Iran
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
