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
Morocco’s textile industry rebounds, as demand spikes from Northern Europe The head of Morocco's textile association said there is growing demand from Northern European buyers for locally made knitwear and corporate apparel. Morocco
Iran, Belgium complete prisoner swap mediated by Oman Belgian national Olivier Vandecasteele was released from prison in Iran in an Oman-mediated exchange deal. Iran
Syria's Assad accuses France of 'hysteria' for calling to put him on trial Damascus is furious after French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said she thinks Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should stand trial for his role in the Syrian war. Syria
French navy in Mideast seizes $108M drug shipment in Indian Ocean The seizures mark the latest sign of US and allied cooperation on interdiction in Gulf waterways. Legacy: Gulf
Germany, Italy hold talks with Saudi Arabia, Qatar to strengthen energy ties Italy is looking for capital from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for a new fund Rome is setting up to help domestic companies in strategically important sectors. Saudi Arabia
Morocco’s economy to benefit as EU drops it from money laundering list The North African country was removed from the list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorism financing in a decision announced by the European Commission on Wednesday. Morocco
Analysis Meet Italy’s Luigi Di Maio, EU’s first envoy for Gulf region Not everyone in Italy and France is welcoming the nomination of former Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio as the European Union's new envoy to the Gulf region. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Sweden-Iran ties strained even more after resolution to blacklist IRGC Following the execution of Iranian-Swedish dual national Habib Chaab, the Swedish parliament adopted with an overwhelming majority a resolution calling to blacklist the IRGC. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Germany arrests two suspected Hezbollah members over 'recruiting activities' Germany designated the Lebanese militant group a terror organization in 2020 and has seen its relations with Iran sour in the last year. Lebanon
UAE axes $879m military helicopter deal with Airbus Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, defense and security industry affairs sector chief for the UAE’s Tawazun Council, stressed that the decision was not a political one. United Arab Emirates
EU cancels Israel's Europe Day reception over Ben-Gvir participation The EU mission in Israel announced that it was canceling its Europe Day reception to avoid hosting far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Israel
Italy and UAE push reset button, boost strategic partnership under Meloni The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seeks to boost ties with the UAE, which Rome views as a strategic partner in the region. Legacy: Gulf
