Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
Trump envoy Barrack’s embrace of 'strong leaders' sparks fury in Turkey Turkish opposition members say envoy Tom Barrack’s remarks praising “strong leaders” and monarchies undermine Turkey’s democratic tradition and embolden President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
Analysis As Lebanon-Israel talks begin, can Rubio press Netanyahu into ceasefire? "Donald Trump pressured Benjamin Netanyahu into these negotiations...Trump sees what is happening in Lebanon as a troublesome issue that prevents him from addressing the main problem with Iran," an Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iranian diplomat sentenced to prison for bomb plot on Iranian opposition group The Iranian government strongly condemned the trial. The bomb plot targeted the controversial National Council of Resistance of Iran. Iran
Iran suggests European Union ‘choreograph’ return to nuclear deal Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif doubled down on his stance that the United States must relieve sanctions first but suggested the EU could coordinate mutual steps. United States
Turkish-Greek talks, all talk? Greece and Turkey will hold explanatory talks for the first time in years following the tensions that peaked last year between the regional rivals, although the two parties have yet to agree on the issues to be discussed. Turkey
New draft law seeks to paralyze Turkish civil society Groups across the ideological spectrum say the law, aimed at keeping Turkey from being blacklisted by the international money laundering watchdog, includes articles that will severely hamper their work. Turkey
Germany opposes arms embargo against Turkey Greece has called for European leaders to apply stronger pressure on Ankara over its actions in the eastern Mediterranean, but the appeals have largely fallen on deaf ears. Turkey
Germany and Finland repatriate children from Syria's al-Hol camp There have been several repatriations of people from the camp for Islamic State families this year. Syria
EU to sanction Turkey over gas-drilling activities At a summit in Brussels Thursday, European leaders appeared ready to impose sanctions on Turkish individuals and companies linked to energy-prospecting activities in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that have raised regional tensions over the last year. Turkey
Facing EU sanctions threat, Erdogan calls for dialogue once more Ahead of a European Council summit in which EU leaders will discuss sanctions on Ankara this week over energy prospecting activities in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated calls for dialogue, urging bloc members not be swayed by Greek and Cypriot agendas. Turkey
Egypt criticized for arrests of human rights advocates The Trump administration, the Biden Campaign and the United Nations also expressed concern about the arrests. Egypt
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Erdogan seeks a way out Ankara has to improve Turkey’s international image with major reforms in order to attract much-needed foreign capital but the jury is out on whether President Erdogan can do it. Turkey
Israeli protesters swarm EU diplomats in East Jerusalem The European delegation came to speak out against a new Israeli housing project in the disputed area. Israel
Should Turkish justice minister's comments fuel hope for release of philanthropist Osman Kavala? Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul spoke out against the widespread practice of arbitrary detentions Friday, fueling speculation that Turkish philanthropist and civic activist Osman Kavala, who has been in jail for more than three years on a slew of outlandish charges, may be finally freed. Turkey
