Analysis Israel defies Trump on Lebanon as Netanyahu, Katz prioritize elections Both Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump face fateful elections this fall, but one needs progress in Lebanon while the other wants more of the same. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Yemen’s Houthis claim new attack on Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia: What to know The strike follows a deadly Houthi attack on a ship in the Red Sea as the renewed conflict take its toll on shipping. Yemen
Iraq intel and security officials visit Saudi Arabia after drone attacks Iraqi authorities are cracking down on drone attacks after US and Saudi airstrikes targeted Iran-backed militias in the country. Iraq
Sudan’s RSF attacks Khartoum, seizes border town: What to know Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have escalated attacks after suffering setbacks more than three years into the civil war. Sudan
Analysis What Qaani's Baghdad visit reveals about Iran's post-war dilemma By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza plan while quietly implementing it By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told relatives of hostages held in Gaza that he accepts the recent proposal by American envoy Steve Witkoff, which is expected to secure the release of 10 abductees and establish a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
Israel confirms assassination of Mohammed Sinwar Sinwar, the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, was targeted in an Israeli strike earlier this month, though Israel’s leadership had not confirmed his death until now. Israel
Israel strikes Yemen airport, claims Houthis' last plane destroyed In response to several missile attacks by the Houthis, the Israeli military struck Yemen's international airport in Sanaa on Wednesday morning. Israel
US-backed Gaza aid body launches as Witkoff pans Hamas truce proposal: What to know Hamas said it accepted a US proposal on a ceasefire deal in Gaza, which both Israel and the US denied, as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is quickly deteriorating. Palestine
Trump appoints Turkey ambassador Tom Barrack as envoy to Syria: What to know Tom Barrack's dual role is likely to give Trump more direct finger on the pulse of his Syria policy as the president has vowed to lift decades of US economic sanctions to give the country's people "a chance at greatness." Syria
What we know about Elias Rodriguez, suspect in attack on Israeli Embassy staff in DC The 30-year-old man from Chicago is suspected of killing Israeli embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. United States
3 killed in attack on Russia’s Hmeimim base in Syria: Monitor Russia is aiming to maintain its military bases in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, while a number of Syrians are currently sheltering at the Hmeimim air base. Syria
Mahmoud Abbas declares from Lebanon ‘era of weapons outside state' over Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is in Lebanon for a high-level visit that will focus on the spread of weapons inside Palestinian camps and ways to remove them. Lebanon
Analysis First in 8 years: Abbas visits Lebanon amid push to disarm Palestinian camps Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is en route to Beirut, where authorities have intensified pressure on Hamas operatives. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Rubio warns Syria’s government could collapse in weeks, triggering civil war The top US diplomat made the case for sanctions relief and renewed engagement with the transitional government in Damascus to prevent "full-scale civil war." Syria
Turkey’s intel chief Kalin makes surprise visit to Syria, meets Sharaa Kalin's visit comes as a Turkish delegation arrives in Washington to discuss sanctions relief on Syria with the Trump administration. Turkey
