Vance says Israeli intelligence had ties to Epstein: What to know Vice President JD Vance has grown more critical of Israel, possibly in an effort to capitalize on changing views among voters with an eye on the 2028 presidential election. United States
Trump taps Russia-born investor to oversee $200M+ fund backing Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor The appointment of Chicago-based investor Konstantin Sokolov to oversee a $200 million fund marks a new phase for Washington's proposed trade and transportation route linking Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. United States
Israeli PM Netanyahu 'will not travel' to US next week, his office says On Wednesday, an Israeli official had told Al-Monitor that Netanyahu was planning to travel on Saturday and meet with President Donald Trump next week and attend the memorial service for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Israel
Syria seizes arms shipment on Iraq border destined for Hezbollah The operation comes as part of the Syrian authorities' efforts to curb illicit arms smuggling through its territory, namely intended for Hezbollah. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkey’s Erdogan hosts Sudan's Burhan as conflict in Khartoum drags on Sudan’s military chief Abdel Fattah Burhan met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday as part of his efforts to garner regional support ahead of the UN General Assembly next week. Turkey
Gaza Palestinian factions hold drills amid infighting in Lebanon’s refugee camp Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk arrived in Beirut to discuss an end to the fighting between rival Palestinian factions in Ain al-Hilweh camp. Palestine
Analysis Can Israel's Supreme Court mitigate threats and avert constitutional crisis? Israel’s Supreme Court opened hearings Tuesday on the amendment to limit its powers in what could soon become a constitutional crisis. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Explainer: Why Iraq's Kirkuk has reached brink of conflict Tensions flare up in Kirkuk ahead of provincial elections in December amid Arab and Turkmen fears of renewed Kurdish control of the oil-rich city. Turkey
Iran lashes out at Israel after Mossad threatens to hit 'top echelon' in Tehran The flare-up in the harsh rhetoric was the latest episode in yearslong allegations between the two enemies, who blame one another for "terror" plots targeting their respective citizens worldwide. Iran
UN, Turkish Cypriots make progress on Cyprus' disputed Pyla road project Talks between the United Nations Cyprus mission and Turkish Cypriots over a disputed road plan have yielded some progress, but several sticking points remain as Turkish Cypriots have resumed the roadwork. Turkey
In letter to Biden, Barzani warns of Iraqi Kurdistan's collapse, urges mediation KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's letter to Biden is aimed at jolting the administration into action as tensions rise between Erbil and Baghdad. Iraq
US, Armenia hold military drills as Russia's influence weakens in Caucasus Washington has a finger on the scale as Armenia accuses Russia of failing to protect it against Azerbaijan. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US unveils sanctions on Hezbollah operatives in South America, Lebanon The targets include one of Hezbollah's alleged operational members behind the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association bombing in 1994. Lebanon
Libya devastated by Storm Daniel with over 2,300 killed, 10,000 feared missing The United Arab Emirates and Turkey have sent aid to Libya, where more than 2,000 people have died due to severe flooding. North Africa
Analysis Israel's Mossad chief sets new red lines for Iranian leadership, Russia Mossad chief David Barnea warned the Iranian leadership directly and Moscow more subtly, but his real message was for American ears. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Exclusive Iran reveals names of 5 citizens sought in US prisoner deal Washington and Tehran are on the verge of a deal that would see the exchange of five Americans for five Iranians, most of whom were accused or convicted of sanctions violations. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights