Analysis RSF turns to drones, new fronts as Sudan battlefield pressure grows A wave of RSF drone attacks reflects the group fighting back, but it also points to limited supply lines and difficulty mounting ground offensives beyond its territorial strongholds. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
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
Analysis What Qaani's Baghdad visit reveals about Iran's post-war dilemma By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Sudan coup leader says he will leave government after transition Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan shows no sign, so far, of reversing course. Sudan
Israel drills for possible war with Hezbollah Despite Lebanon's economic crisis and Hezbollah being unlikely to launch a war amid such a dire situation, defense analysts warn that war is still possible. Israel
Assassination attempt against Iraqi PM sparks fear of 'return to chaos' A drone attack on the residence of the Iraqi prime minister has raised the specter of continuing violence by nonstate actors in the country after elections in which Iran-linked armed groups lost dozens of parliamentary seats. Iraq
Top UN officials urge Sudan coup leaders to reverse course New arrests have been reported as the United Nations holds an emergency session on the coup in Khartoum. Sudan
Intel: Saudi Arabia, UAE publicly reject Sudan’s coup Washington is trying to bring its Middle Eastern allies into line with international efforts to revive the transition to democracy in Khartoum. Sudan
Militants get death sentences for killing two Iraqi journalists The Iraqi criminal court sentenced two militiamen affiliated with Kataib Hezbollah to death for assassinating two journalists in Basra in January 2020. Iraq
Militias protest after losses in Iraqi election The results of Iraq's Oct. 10 parliamentary elections came as a shock to political parties affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Units, as they lost more than half of their seats in parliament. Iraq
Sudan coup leader fires ambassadors who opposed takeover Several Sudanese ambassadors abroad vowed to resist Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's military junta in Khartoum. Sudan
US base in Syria hit in suspected drone attack The remote Tanf outpost has been quiet for years, but Iran's pinprick provocations may once again be targeting the base, which plays a key role in Washington’s effort to obstruct Tehran's influence. Syria
US to give $67 million to Lebanon’s military as violence erupts in Beirut The Lebanese army deployed in the streets of the capital after at least six people were shot dead during violent protests. Lebanon
Egypt looks to expand counter-terrorism cooperation with Sudan Egypt is seeking greater cooperation with Sudan’s transitional authorities to track down terrorist elements, including Islamic State and those affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood . Egypt
Hezbollah leader meets with Iran FM, calls Tehran ‘loyal ally’ The Iranian foreign minister visited Lebanon this week and pledged the Islamic Republic would continue sending fuel to crisis-stricken Lebanon. News Brief
