South Korea, Iran summon ambassadors after 'enemy' comments

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described Iran as the “enemy” of the UAE during a visit to the Gulf state, but the East Asian country insists the remarks are being taken out of context.

Iran

Iran, expanding Abraham Accords top Netanyahu's meeting with Jake Sullivan

Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, in a bid to coordinate positions on Iran and prepare for a trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Israel

Increase in Jihadist attacks in Syria as Turkey courts Assad

Syrian jihadi groups are increasing their attacks on Syrian army outposts, as tripartite meetings between Russia, Turkey and Syria hint at a potential rapprochement deal to end the decade-long war.

Syria

Two Yemen YouTubers in detention, put on trial by Houthis

Courts run by the Houthis have been used to settle scores with opponents, especially media activists accusing the group of corruption.

Legacy: Gulf

European Parliament slaps sanctions on Iran's IRGC

The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Union to blacklist Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and to sanction the Iranian leadership.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

The Takeaway: Turkey’s F-16 deal proves hard sell in Congress

Plus, imprisoned American Siamak Namazi launches a hunger strike in Iran, and Iraq repatriates hundreds from northeast Syria's Al-Hol camp.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Explainer: Turkey’s Halkbank appeals to US Supreme Court in Iran sanctions case

The case comes at a tense time in US-Turkey relations as the Biden administration weighs whether to sell F-16 jets to Turkey.

Turkey

Jake Sullivan arrives in Israel as Netanyahu's government faces crisis

The US national security adviser's visit comes as the Biden administration seeks clarity on the Netanyahu government's intentions toward the Palestinians and in the middle of an internal crisis.

By AL-MONITOR Staff

Protests in Israel as Supreme Court tells Netanyahu to fire minister

Hundreds of supportive Shas party members are gathered outside the home of Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, calling to overturn the Supreme Court ruling that his prior convictions bar his appointment.

Israel

Iraq repatriates 580 citizens from Syria’s al-Hol camp

The Islamic State sees the tens of thousands of detainees at al-Hol and other prison facilities in Syria as key to rebuilding its army, US officials have said.

Iraq

European Parliament overwhelmingly urges EU to designate Iran's IRGC as terrorist

Members of the European Parliament called today on European leadership to add the Iranian revolutionary Guards to the list of terror organizations.

Iran

Erdogan picks historically charged date of May 14 for Turkey’s crucial election

Turkey’s president indicates elections will be held on May 14, a symbolic date in the country's multiparty democracy and a month earlier than expected.

Turkey