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
Witkoff meets Netanyahu as Israel warns against potential Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s security chiefs briefed US envoy Steve Witkoff on the country’s concerns ahead of Friday’s US-Iran talks. Israel
Iran seeks nuclear-only US talks, to drop Turkey as host: Source Iran’s push for a bilateral, nuclear-only format and a possible shift to Oman has frustrated mediators. Turkey
US F-35 downs Iran drone as IRGC boats target tanker near Hormuz The US military accused Iran of "unnecessary aggression" after shooting down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea and IRGC vessels approached a US-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz ahead of US-Iran talks later this week. Iran
On eve of talks, UAE's Gargash throws weight behind Iran-US deal Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, spoke at a panel discussion at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where he discussed the latest developments in Gaza, Iran, Sudan and Yemen. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s MBZ reportedly cancels Japan visit amid US-Iran standoff: What to know While tensions remain high between the US and Iran, both sides are reportedly moving toward renewed nuclear talks. United Arab Emirates
Gulf markets recover after gold rout, buoyed by Iran de-escalation hopes Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index, TASI, rose 1.4%, a day after falling the most in nearly 10 months amid a broad sell-off in the commodities market. United Arab Emirates
Turkey emerges as possible host for US-Iran talks: What to know Turkey is moving to host potential US-Iran talks as Ankara intensifies mediation efforts amid mounting concerns over the fallout of a possible US strike on Iran. Turkey
US-Iran tensions fan oil disruption fears as Gulf states confront retaliation risks From blocking the Strait of Hormuz and seizing commercial shipping to striking energy infrastructure, Tehran’s retaliation playbook could rattle the region as Gulf states fear red lines have been crossed. Iran
As Iran stalls, US military strikes risk uncertain outcomes If Iran’s leaders refuse to negotiate over the Trump administration’s demands, the president may have to choose between strike options that can likely only further degrade its nuclear program — not fully destroy it. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Putin meets Iran’s top security official as Trump says Tehran wants deal President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is seeking a nuclear deal but declined to specify a timeline for negotiations. Iran
Iraqi militias claim volunteers readying to defend Iran from US: What to know Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have said they are registering volunteers to defend Iran should the US attack. Iraq
Analysis Israel ups Iran intel sharing with US, expects Trump to strike within 'weeks' Israel is making vast amounts of intelligence available to the United States in preparation for a potential attack on Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
