Lebanese PM Salam in Turkey as Erdogan seeks wider regional role Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s visit to Turkey comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently warned that Israeli attacks against Lebanon and Syria threaten Turkey’s security. Lebanon
In first, Russia confirms S-400 talks with Turkey amid transfer reports to acquire F-35 On Friday, the Kremlin spokesperson provided the first confirmation that Turkey and Russia have held discussions about Ankara's efforts to resolve the S-400 issue with Washington. Turkey
Hundreds welcome Salah's Egypt home after best World Cup run Hundreds of euphoric supporters welcomed home Egypt's national football team on Friday after the country's best-ever performance at the World Cup, which ended with a thrilling last-16 exit to Argentina. Egypt achieved their first-ever World Cup win before later reaching the last 16 teams at the global spectacle for the first time after beating Australia on penalties. Agence France-Presse
How Iran war could impact oil markets in 2027 The International Energy Agency forecasts global oil supply will exceed demand by 4.62 million barrels per day in 2027. Iran
Analysis As US-Iran fighting resumes, Israel weighs 3 options with restraint winning, for now Despite Israel's military readiness to resume strikes on Iran, officials say looming elections make Netanyahu more likely to stay out unless Tehran forces his hand. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Syria says IS behind Damascus blasts, finds explosives cache Syrian authorities on Friday said they uncovered an explosives cache after having captured an IS-linked cell responsible for two bomb blasts during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus earlier this week. On Friday, the interior ministry said that "intensive investigations with members of the terrorist cell" allowed authorities to find "a secret cache the cell had designated for storing explosives in preparation for a series of terrorist attacks". Agence France-Presse
Netanyahu races to keep promises to allies ahead of election With the Israeli parliament set to dissolve in the coming days, just four months before national elections, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is racing to pass a series of bills, drawing fierce criticism from opposition. The veteran prime minister, who has held office for nearly two decades across multiple terms, is facing public anger over a series of failures -- particularly those that led to Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the war in Gaza. Agence France-Presse
Analysis Saudi-UAE payment blocks could imperil billions in trade: What to know Delayed bank transfers from Saudi Arabia to accounts in the United Arab Emirates could suggest the rivalry between the region's largest economies is entering a new financial phase. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
