Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
As US talks stall, Hezbollah chief defiant, says Israel to leave Lebanon ’humiliated' The speech comes as the Lebanese-Israeli talks appeared to reach a deadlock this week amid Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Lebanon
Explainer Bombed sites, missing uranium: How Trump’s Iran deal hinges on inspector access Iran's long record of obstructing the UN's nuclear watchdog raises questions about how much access it would grant in a future deal. Iran
Iran rejects Trump's claim frozen funds will buy US soybeans: What to know Trump said Wednesday that the US would release “some” Iranian frozen funds and would use them to purchase corn, wheat and soybeans from American farmers. Iran
The Takeaway: Iraq’s elections: What comes next? Updates from our correspondents in Israel, Palestine, Turkey, Egypt and New York; Multimedia reporting on Kurds, Tel Aviv, Egypt and Sharjah! Iraq
Soleimani's replacement vows revenge for his killing The replacement for assassinated Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani has vowed revenge on US officials who were behind the killing. Iran
Israeli leaders expect Iran nuclear deal in 2022 Behind closed doors, Israeli sentiments are deeply negative. Israel
The Takeaway: Iran seeks sanctions assurances as West loses patience Negotiators meet again in Vienna as the US warns Iran is "playing with fire." Plus, the Islamic State's recruitment drive, a transatlantic scandal in Israel, Lebanon's solar energy surge, and more. Iran
Iran says Vienna talks on ‘good path’ Iranian media and officials have expressed optimism over the latest round of nuclear talks. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli, Russian foreign ministers discuss key regional issues via phone With the second round of Iran nuke talks resuming in Vienna, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid speaks on the phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Israel
Israel's Bennett gets scolded by the White House Refusing an Israeli request for a phone call between Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and US President Joe Biden, the White House clarified the rules of the game and what kind of relationship they expect between the two leaders. Israel
Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna Iranian officials say they are ready to stay as long as necessary in this latest round of talks. Iran
Venezuela's Maduro plans to visit Iran 'very soon' Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the two countries will sign new accords and "speed up processes of cooperation." Iran
US national security adviser meets with Bennett, Lapid, Gantz in Israel Facing growing pressure from Jerusalem on the Vienna talks, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met yesterday in Israel with President Isaac Herzog and today with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Israel
Israeli army not ready to strike Iran's nuclear program According to reports, the IDF does not have the means to effectively and seriously damage Iran's nuclear facilities right now. Israel
Israel knows attacking Iranian nuke program will bring war with Hezbollah Israeli leadership is coping not only with the question of military preparedness for the possibility of attacking the Iranian nuclear program, but also with the implications of such an attack on Israel’s homeland security, its economy and its growth. Israel
