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
Pompeo dismisses Rouhani’s terms for talks as Iran admits ‘no plan B’ for Syria Israel, Iran and the United States are all not backing down in Syria, but US-Iran prisoner talks may still have a chance. Iraq
Netanyahu’s damage control strategy ahead of annexation vote Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing contradictory estimates from security agency chiefs on whether annexation will generate massive uprisings in the West Bank and Arab retaliation. Israel
Senior Erdogan aide slams Bolton memoir for depictions of Turkish president Ankara has criticized the former US national security adviser’s descriptions of President Donald Trump’s discussions with his Turkish counterpart, accusing him of publishing the book for his own personal gain. Turkey
Intel: US sanctions Iranian ships for delivering oil to Venezuela The United States sanctioned the captains of five Iranian vessels today for delivering oil to Venezuela. Originals
Rouhani says talks with US possible any moment after ‘apology’ While Iran’s hard-liners have persistently warned against any compromise with the Donald Trump administration, President Hassan Rouhani said he is ready for talks even before the upcoming US presidential elections. Iran
Intel: Key Democrat presses Pompeo on Trump’s alleged interference in Turkish bank probe The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today grilling him on a series of allegations raised in former national security adviser John Bolton’s new book, including the allegation that President Donald Trump sought to end the Justice Department’s charges against Turkey’s state-run Halkbank. Originals
Intel: House Republicans greenlight annexation as Trump administration wavers The majority of the House Republican caucus signed onto a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday backing any decision he makes on annexing the West Bank “independent of outside pressure,” even as Donald Trump administration officials convene this week to decide whether they should give Israel the greenlight to proceed in July. Originals
Gantz says Palestinians need dialogue with Israel on annexation Defense Minister Benny Gantz took another step today at clarifying his stance on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation plan. Israel
Trump’s endorsement crucial for Netanyahu’s annexation plan Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that he cannot go ahead with annexation without the endorsement of US President Donald Trump. Israel
Intel: Vulnerable Senate Republicans targeted for supporting Trump on Iran Two vulnerable Senate Republican incumbents up for re-election in November found themselves under attack over their support for President Donald Trump’s Iran policies in new social media ads that began airing in their states today. Originals
Intel: Trump’s Syria envoy promises 'significant' Syria aid amid new US sanctions The United States will provide a “significant amount” of new humanitarian aid for Syria even as stringent new sanctions take effect, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the war-torn country announced today. Originals
Egypt calls emergency Arab League meeting on Libya The meeting is expected to be held next week to discuss recent developments in the Libyan conflict. Egypt