Syria, Lebanon stress noninterference as Damascus mulls Hezbollah talks

When asked whether Damascus would be willing to meet with Hezbollah in the future, Syria’s foreign minister indicated that it would not rule out such a meeting.

Syria

As Trump touts nuclear progress, US-Iran talks show little momentum

With a final nuclear agreement far from reach, the US-Iran conflict risks settling into a new status quo.

Iran

Newsletter: Security

Israel-Lebanon deal faces rocky road

The agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel last week has reintroduced debate over the US military's role in southern Lebanon, even as Washington appears intent on limiting its direct involvement.

By Jared Szuba

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

At least 6 killed, 22 wounded in Damascus cafe explosion: What to know

Syrian authorities have yet to identify a perpetrator in relation to the incident, and armed groups opposing the transitional government did not immediately take credit.

Syria

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Qatar reports progress in US-Iran talks

Syrian FM in Lebanon; Pro-Palestinian candidate unseats long-serving Democrat in Colorado; Turkish jets strike al-Shabab targets in Somalia; and more.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Araghchi warns Israel as US, Iran hold technical talks in Doha

Syria unveils its transitional parliament appointees; Kuwait’s Zain plans a major telecom investment in postwar Syria; and North Africa’s World Cup teams make history.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Newsletter: Gulf

Oman's Hormuz moment

As US and Iranian negotiators continue technical discussions in Doha on implementing last month’s memorandum of understanding, Oman is emerging as Tehran’s principal Gulf counterpart on the future governance of the Strait of Hormuz

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Turkish jets strike al-Shabab targets in Somalia: What to know

A Somali Defense Ministry statement initially said Turkish F-16s carried out strikes on Al-Shabab targets before a later version referred only to “international partners.”

Turkey

Who is Melat Kiros, the pro-Palestinian who unseated a longtime Democrat?

Kiros has taken a hard stance against Israel and opposes all aid to the country as pro-Palestinian candidates make further inroads in the party.

United States

Explainer

Turkey eases job rules for 1M+ Syrians under temporary protection: What to know

The move, part of a broader easing of restrictions on Syrians living in Turkey, could allow roughly 1.1 million working-age Syrians to enter registered employment more easily as Ankara seeks to reduce informal labor and address workforce gaps.

Turkey

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Saudi FM goes to China amid Trump-MBS friction

By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll

Syria announces Sharaa's parliamentary appointees, SDF Kurds sidelined

The Syrian government has announced the list of 70 members appointed to its transitional parliament.

Syria