Interview Top Syrian Kurdish official slams parliamentary vote in northeast as 'undemocratic' Foza Yusuf, a senior figure in Syria’s Kurdish-led autonomous administration, said the May 24 parliamentary vote was structured to disadvantage Kurdish parties. Foza Yusuf Top Syrian Kurdish official
US, Iran signal progress toward war deal, but no breakthrough imminent Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the document under discussion as a 14-point framework agreement rather than a final deal. Iran
Interview As Sudan war drags on, US-Iran conflict compounds humanitarian crisis in Darfur Save the Children US President and CEO Janti Soeripto said delivering aid in Sudan remains extremely difficult, with supply trucks often delayed for weeks or months even after entering the country. Janti Soeripto President and CEO of Save the Children US
Analysis Cheap drones, costly threats: Why Gulf states are looking to Turkey for defense deals Iran’s drone and missile attacks have exposed gaps in Gulf and Iraqi air defenses, giving Turkey an opening for Turkish defense sales, but Ankara has a narrow window before South Korean and European competitors gain ground. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis US, Turkey boost Libya coordination, but unity push faces political hurdles By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis How far will Iran bend in ceasefire talks with US? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Turkey under pressure to crack down on Russian shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain Ukraine’s growing pressure on Turkey to act against Russian shipments of “stolen” Ukrainian grain highlights the importance of establishing a safe export corridor under UN auspices. Turkey
Lapid makes smooth landing in Israeli prime minister’s office Having long prepared for the job, Yair Lapid quickly took on the role of Israel’s prime minister. Israel
Iran denies asking for new concessions in nuclear deal Iran’s foreign minister says that economic guarantees from the nuclear deal are nothing new. Iran
Turkey’s media watchdog warns against LGBTQ song as crackdown continues Turkish pop star Mabel Matiz's “Copshop,” a song that tells the story of a gay man tortured in a police station, dovetails with a month-long government crackdown on LGBTQ groups and activities during Pride month. Turkey
Israel takes down Hezbollah drones headed for Mediterranean gas rig By intercepting Iran-made UAVs sent by Hezbollah earlier this week, Israel has made it clear that it can protect its maritime assets. Israel
Israel's Ultra-Orthodox warn Netanyahu not to take them for granted Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties have followed opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu through four failed election rounds, but will they continue to support him? Israel
Iran navy expanding its presence in Red Sea, Israel says Israel's defense chief said Iran's navy is "methodically basing itself in the Red Sea," posing risks to international shipping. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Palestinians furious at tepid US findings on journalist's killing Reactions from the ground are coming in following the results of the ballistic test performed by the United States on the bullet that killed Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Palestine
Lapid’s greatest election challenge will be skyrocketing cost of living Prime Minister Yair Lapid has only four months to show Israelis he can do something about the continuously-increasing cost of living and high housing prices. Israel
Israeli court rejects cap on Ukrainian refugees This week, Israel’s Supreme Court struck down the cap imposed by the Interior Ministry on the number of Ukrainian refugees allowed into the country. Israel
Turkey blocks VOA, Deutsche Welle in pre-election media clampdown The ban came after the websites failed to apply for licenses that would allow government to oversee their content. Turkey
Iran's chief negotiator warns Israel against war preparations The raging war of words coincided with protracted diplomacy over the revival of the Iran nuclear deal, which Israel has relentlessly criticized. Iran