Somaliland leader to visit Washington as US weighs recognition: What to know

Somaliland, whose independence from Somalia remains unrecognized internationally, is reaching out to the Trump administration with strategic offers — including discussions about hosting displaced Gazans — to secure US recognition.

United States

Kurds, Damascus resume talks as Syria, Jordan FMs meet US envoy in Amman

The meeting aims to address growing unrest and political demands amid Syria’s fragile efforts to rebuild.

Syria

Turkey detains 30 as government crackdown on opposition deepens: What to know

Detainees include officials from Istanbul and Antalya municipalities and their family members as part of an ongoing corruption investigation into the Republican People’s Party (CHP) that critics say is politically motivated.

Turkey

Analysis

As Trump tacitly backs Gaza City offensive, Netanyahu-army rift widens

An exchange last week between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his top general suggests that the Israeli premier himself does not believe in the plan he is touting for Israel to take full control of Gaza City.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

China envoy, Syria FM meet as Uyghur militant concerns slow reconstruction ties

China and Syria remain at an impasse as Beijing remains wary of Uyghur militants’ integration into Syrian forces, while Syria, wary of alienating fighters who helped secure its recent military victories, seeks a compromise that won’t undermine the new government’s stability.

Syria

Analysis

What new CENTCOM commander means for Middle East power balance

Navy admiral known for diplomatic acumen has taken charge of all American forces in the Middle East amid uncertainty about Washington’s ability to avoid further entanglements following the Iran-Israel war.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Pentagon: Al-Qaeda remnants seek influence in Syria’s new government

Hurras al-Din announced its dissolution in January, but US intelligence believes its adherents may still seek influence via Syria’s new government, which is led by their former jihadist rival and ex-HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Syria

Analysis

Armenia seeks to allay Iran's fears as US-backed land route with Azerbaijan advances

The planned corridor aims to connect key players in the South Caucasus but has raised tensions with Iran over access and control.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

East Jerusalem father, son arrested over Israel attack plot: What to know

Three east Jerusalem residents arrested in are suspected of fabricating dozens of explosive devices and plotting to commit several attacks against Israelis.

Israel

IAEA official visits Tehran for first time since Iran-Israel war: What to know

Following its June war with Israel, Iran halted cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog and its inspectors departed the country.

Iran

Iran border clash kills 3 militants, police officer in Baluchistan: What to know

Iranian forces have prioritized targeting Jaish al-Adl and other groups in the southeast, and are seeking cooperation with Pakistan on the issue.

Iran

Iran security chief visits Iraq, Lebanon as Baghdad weighs pro-Iran militia law

Ali Larijani, who was recently appointed to head Iran’s top security body, has embarked on visits to Iraq and Lebanon as Baghdad faces US pressure to contain Iranian-backed groups.

Iran