US to host Lebanon-Israel talks next week in first such meeting A senior Lebanese official told Al-Monitor that the Trump administration relayed to Beirut on Wednesday its support for Lebanon to handle its negotiations with Israel, separate from talks taking place with Iran this weekend in Pakistan. Lebanon
Analysis Sanctions relief, Pakistan role propel China backing of Iran-US ceasefire The US–Iran truce boosts Pakistan — one of China’s closest partners — by elevating its role as a mediator and strengthening a regional balance that favors Beijing’s allies. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
UAE says no more 'niceties' with Iran, seeks clarity on fragile truce terms The UAE said Iran must pay “compensation” for damages incurred during the conflict. United Arab Emirates
Lebanon rejects Iran negotiating on its behalf, PM says only Beirut handles talks Israel launched its largest attack against Lebanon in the war, firing over 160 munitions across the country. At least 203 people were killed and 1,072 injured, while 33 remain missing, authorities said. Lebanon
Analysis Ceasefire or strategic pause? How Iran is framing war narrative amid deep mistrust By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
What we know about UAE blocking X accounts accused of misinformation A number of X accounts including Al Arabiya Breaking are now not accessible in the Gulf state as Abu Dhabi navigates regional turmoil. United Arab Emirates
Next phase of US airstrike campaign in Iran to target missile manufacturing US Central Command (CENTCOM) has plans to prevent Iran’s remaining enriched uranium from being weaponized by remnants of the regime, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested. Iran
Iran’s communications blackout limits assessment of war’s humanitarian toll Aid groups struggle to assess humanitarian toll in Iran as blackout hampers efforts to identify needs. Iran
Middle East evacuations gather pace as explosions rattle Abu Dhabi airport Dozens of Emirati flights were forced to hold or diver after the country's Defense Ministry said it had intercepted six ballistic missiles and 125 drones. United Arab Emirates
UAE billionaire Habtoor openly lambasts Trump over Iran war The Emirati businessman condemned the US president, a former business partner, for his “dangerous” attack on Iran and asked whether he had stopped to consider the collateral damage. United Arab Emirates
Azerbaijan accuses Iran of drone strike on airport The attacks damaged an airport in the Nakhchivan exclave and slightly wounded two civilians. Iran
Which 6 Kurdish groups could join the war in Iran? Iranian Kurdish groups that recently formed an alliance could soon join the United States and Israel in their campaign against the Islamic Republic, Al-Monitor has learned. Iran
Exclusive US-backed Kurdish forces poised to enter Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan 'within days' The CIA has reportedly been in contact with Iranian Kurdish armed groups since last year, as Israel has pressed for Kurdish engagement. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Pentagon: US airstrikes in Iran 'accelerating' as war shifts to new phase Pentagon projects American and Israel warplanes will have complete control of Iran’s skies in less than a week, enabling the US to conserve valuable precision longer-range munitions. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Strait of Hormuz clear of Iran navy ships, US commander says US strikes have been finishing of Iran's naval fleet, senior officials said, but its threats to the Strait of Hormuz have not yet been eliminated. Iran
Iran’s missile barrage tests US interceptor limits in escalating war US B-2 bombers and F/A-18s have been pummeling Iran's southern missile belt, but the IRGC is believed to have far more attack drones in store than ballistic missiles. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iran’s targeting of Turkey unlikely to upend Ankara’s strategic balancing act Ankara said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran that was heading toward Turkish airspace, as Turkish officials called for restraint amid rising regional tensions. Turkey
