Newsletter: Turkey Turkey navigates Gulf rivalries while Kurdish peace efforts resurface Turkey hosts a flurry of regional diplomacy while fresh debate over Abdullah Ocalan’s future exposes new tensions in the Kurdish peace process. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iraq’s Sadr says 'exclude' armed groups from next government as pressure builds The cleric's call comes as Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi tries to form a government amid political divisions and US demands to curb the influence of Iran-backed actors. Iraq
Analysis CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US strikes Iran tankers as UAE reports fresh missile, drone attacks Strikes on Iranian tankers and fresh exchanges in the Gulf escalate tensions as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a deal proposal. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Can warmer Germany-Turkey ties bring Ankara Eurofighters along with Airbuses? Experts believe Turkish-German defense ties will see some strides following the German president’s much-hyped Turkey visit. Turkey
The House antisemitism bill: What we know The Antisemitism Awareness Act was passed in response to conflicts on US university campuses over pro-Palestinian activism and antisemitism amid the Gaza war. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Why Iran is concerned about a possible Israeli-Saudi deal The US government's pushes to revive diplomacy for Israel-Saudi normalization has fueled serious worries in Tehran, where officials were hoping the Gaza war would sabotage the efforts altogether. Iran
As it seeks to rival China and Pakistan, India sets its sights on Oman trade deal The agreement could serve as a "strategic lever" for New Delhi to expand its influence in the Middle East. Oman
US military halts Gaza humanitarian aid pier, citing weather A US defense official told Al-Monitor the pier remains on schedule, but an agreement to have workers with the UN World Food Programme distribute aid from the pier remains under intensive negotiation amid significant security concerns. Israel
Dangers for Palestinian aid workers stall deal on US-built Gaza pier Israel’s role in providing security for the maritime endeavor has raised questions over the safety and neutrality of the Palestinian aid workers involved. Palestine
Analysis Despite crackdown, protesters ‘haven’t lost the plot' on Gaza war, says Columbia journalist Al-Monitor’s coverage of the police action against Columbia demonstrators; Netanyahu’s Saudi temptation; Palestinian leaders chart statehood. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
CIA chief arrives in Egypt ahead of Hamas delegation for Gaza talks The arrival of CIA chief William Burns to Cairo may indicate that not all is lost, as Washington keeps pushing for Hamas to accept the hostage release deal. Israel
Who is Saraya al-Ashtar, Bahraini group that claimed to target Israel? US and Bahraini officials have said Saraya al-Ashtar operates from Iranian territory. Bahrain
ICC warns against intimidation amid rumors of warrants for Israel PM, others The office of International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized that attempts to influence the ICC's work constitute an offense against the administration of justice under the Rome Statute. Israel
Analysis As Netanyahu huffs and puffs, Israel on hold waiting for Sinwar, ICC When faced with threat of ICC arrest warrants, Netanyahu told Biden that with an Israeli invasion of Rafah and an escalation in clashes with Hezbollah would ensue if the United States does not help block the warrants. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
'Landmark' talks between Turkey’s opposition leader, Erdogan spark hopes for reform A "historic" meeting between Turkey's president and Ozgur Ozel may mark the beginning of a budding political relationship — but that remains to be seen. Turkey