On eighth visit, Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to repair ties with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran in his Tuesday meeting with President Donald Trump, while the US leader is more likely to want to discuss Lebanon and Syria. United States
Trump says Iran seeks talks after strikes halted An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the two sides have communicated only through intermediaries. Iran
Oil falls 9.5% in steepest drop in months as Iran, US pause attacks Iran says it is still in control of the Strait of Hormuz and not seeking to resume peace talks with the United States after President Donald Trump halted a two-week bombing campaign. Iran
Analysis Saudi nuclear deal adds new wrinkle if Iran talks resume Should the United States and Iran return to the negotiating table, the newly reached US-Saudi nuclear deal could give Tehran fresh leverage. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Ahead of Trump meeting, Netanyahu lays groundwork for Israel to rejoin Iran war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Sudan joins Abraham Accords to recognize Israel The United States will help cover Sudan's more than $1 billion in arrears to the World Bank in exchange. Israel
Hillary Clinton says Trump playing 'dangerous game' with Iran The former secretary of state's warning follows other criticism of a Trump administration show of military force to dissuade Iran from potential attacks. United States
Four must-read books on Trump’s Middle East policies What we learned from Michael Wolff, John Bolton and Bob Woodward about the Trump administration and the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
UN condemns Trump's pardon of contractors involved in killing of Iraqis A UN Human Rights Office expert said that the pardon of the men involved in the 2007 Nisour Square massacre undermines the obligation of states to hold war criminals accountable. Iraq
Trump administration pushes last-minute arms deals to Middle East The move to go forward with a proposed $290 million sale of precision-guided bombs for Saudi Arabia comes just weeks before the Biden administration arrives. Saudi Arabia
US ambassador's residence in Tel Aviv sold for $67 million The State Department has not acknowledged the buyer, reported to be Trump ally and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Israel
Trump pardons Blackwater contractors convicted of Iraq massacre The incident in Baghdad's Nisoor Square deeply strained US-Iraqi ties and marred the reputation of the paramilitary company. Iraq
Congress passes annual defense spending bill mandating sanctions on Turkey Trump has vowed to veto the bill, which includes a mandate for the administration to sanction Turkey over the S-400. Turkey
US Senator to continue fighting UAE weapons sale Sen. Chris Murphy said he wants to work with the incoming Biden administration to review aspects of the Trump administration's weapons sale to the UAE after resolutions to stop the sale failed in the Senate. Originals
Biden reaffirms pledge to revive Iranian nuclear deal In an interview with The New York Times, Biden said rejoining the landmark agreement is the best way to avoid a nuclear buildup in the region. United States
Turkey opens secret channel to fix ties with Israel The Biden administration will not be as lenient on Turkey as the outgoing administration has been, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan finds his country increasingly isolated. Turkey
Jordan welcomes Biden presidency Jordanian leaders hope a Biden administration will support a two-state solution. Jordan
