Turkey, Armenia agree to restore medieval bridge in normalization push Ankara is pursuing normalization with Armenia ahead of June parliamentary elections in a thaw also positioned to advance its broader Middle Corridor ambitions. Turkey
EU says energy costs tied to Hormuz crisis have surged past $35B Global energy price increases tied to the Hormuz disruption are driving higher import costs in Europe, despite limited reliance on gas flowing through the strait. Iran
Ethiopia rejects Sudan's strike claims, accuses Khartoum of backing Tigray rebels Sudanese officials had earlier accused Ethiopia of involvement in drone strikes on its territory, including one on the country’s largest airport. Sudan
Analysis Israel fears Trump seeking Hormuz win while sidestepping Iran nuclear issue While President Donald Trump keeps pressuring Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Israel fears the American leader will decide to cut his losses and sideline the nuclear threat. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran warns US Hormuz mission risks truce as Pentagon says it holds By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Paris conference for Lebanon secures $1B in humanitarian, military aid The countries participating at the Paris conference for Lebanon pledged $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million for the Lebanese armed forces. Lebanon
Analysis Israel, Hamas in wait-and-see mode ahead of US election With Hamas and Israel holding firm and the US election less than two weeks away, a cease-fire deal still appears far from reach. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Mikati says Lebanon ready to deploy 8,000 troops to border if Israel cease-fire reached The announcement came during an aid conference organized by France to support Lebanon and its civilian population affected by the ongoing Israeli war. Lebanon
Turkey says 2 PKK members behind TUSAS attack, ramps up airstrikes in Iraq, Syria With funerals for victims underway, Turkish officials identified the attackers as operatives of the Kurdish militant group. Turkey
France seeks 3 objectives at Lebanon conference in Paris, aims to raise $400M The Lebanon conference set to take place in Paris on Thursday will focus on raising financial aid and rallying the international community behind efforts for a cease-fire. Lebanon
Tens of thousands flee Jabalia after Israel sends more troops to northern Gaza The Israeli military's push into northern Gaza has killed at least 770 Palestinians, according to Gaza's government office, and has caused tens of thousands to flee the Jabalia area. Palestine
Hamas’ Abu Marzouk in Russia as group grapples with Sinwar’s successor The visit is one of many by Hamas officials to Russia since the Gaza war erupted last year. Palestine
Iran's Pezeshkian slams Israel at start of BRICS summit in Russia The summit in the Russian city of Kazan is the first since Iran, Egypt and the UAE joined BRICS as full members. Iran
Iran eyes naval drills with Saudi Arabia, Egypt amid simmering regional tensions The planned drills come on the heels of a recent joint exercise that Iran hosted in the Indian Ocean, as Tehran seeks to counterbalance Israel and curb US influence in the region's strategic waters. Iran
Russia investigates downed aircraft in Sudan: What we know A plane allegedly shot down by a Sudanese paramilitary group has shined a light on the web of foreign influence affecting the ongoing war in Sudan. Sudan
US envoy Hochstein’s document for Israel-Lebanon cease-fire: What we know According to a report by the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper, the US envoy presented a document that includes several amendments to UN Resolution 1701 as a proposal to end the war in Lebanon, which Lebanese officials have repeatedly refused to change. Lebanon
Qatar to vote on ditching legislative council elections as Gulf states balk at representative rule Qatar's first legislative council election was held in October 2021, a year before it hosted the FIFA World Cup, but the Gulf state now looks poised to roll back citizens' involvement in the legislative process. Qatar