Newsletter: Turkey Erdogan’s new rival The week’s biggest bombshell came from Ozgur Ozel, the ousted opposition CHP leader, who said he will probably form a new party. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Yemen's Houthis raise Red Sea stakes for Trump With President Donald Trump ratcheting up his threats, will Iran play its Houthi card? Iran
Analysis Trump's ‘180-degree reversal’ on Lebanon, Syria leaves Netanyahu with few options before elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes an Israeli withdrawal from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon will help ease tensions with President Donald Trump. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran strike damages Kuwait power, desalination plant: What to know Kuwait, the world’s most water-stressed country, urged residents to reduce electricity and water use following the attack. Kuwait
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Trump taps Russia-born investor to oversee $200M+ fund backing Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor United States
Morocco king invites Israel’s Netanyahu for visit following Western Sahara recognition Only two days after Israel recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, King Mohammed VI invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a visit. Israel
UAE passport ranks among world's 'most powerful,' Iraq, Syria at bottom of list The 2023 Henley Passport Index features the world’s most powerful passports based on the number of destinations passport holders can access visa-free. United Arab Emirates
US calls for Egypt to immediately release researcher Patrick Zaki Zaki was sentenced to three years in prison over a 2019 article he wrote on Coptic Christians that prosecutors deemed "fake news." Egypt
Casualties in Syria after suspected Israeli airstrike The strikes occurred at a time of significant tension along the Israel-Lebanon border and in the West Bank. Israel
Turkey, UAE ink $50 billion in trade deals during Erdogan visit The $50 billion worth trade deals come as the Turkish government is struggling to draw foreign funds to ease its currency crisis. United Arab Emirates
Top US general pumps brakes on sending more forces to confront Russia in Syria Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley suggested there's little the US can do to stop Russian fighter pilots' free rein over Syria's skies but warned American forces will defend themselves if they detect "hostile intent." Syria
Biden pledges Iran 'never acquires nuclear weapon' as he hosts Israel’s Herzog In his comment before his meeting with Israel's President Isaac Herzog, President Joe Biden did not address the Netanyahu government's judicial overhaul plan. But he did reiterate the US commitment to Israel's security and the strong ties between the two countries. Israel
European Parliament rebuffs Turkey's NATO-EU trade-off Turkey’s EU accession process cannot resume under the current circumstances, but new ways to cooperate should be explored, EP members say ahead of an EU foreign ministers meeting. Turkey
Lebanon’s Riad Salameh interrogated, assets frozen as citizens raid banks The judicial proceedings against central bank governor come against the background of a worsening economic and political crisis, and as his term is set to expire next month. Lebanon
Iran declares 'efficient deterrence' against any military strike Iran has in recent years shown off its military advancements, particularly its drones and ballistic missiles, shrugging off Western worries that it is escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East. Iran
Analysis Why Biden’s invitation to Netanyahu is not an Israeli achievement President Joe Biden might opt to meet Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not at the White House but on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey, Russia discuss Ukraine grain export deal after Moscow halts pact The conversation between the top Russian and Turkish diplomats comes as Ankara is amping up its efforts to salvage the deal critical for global food markets. Turkey