GCC to build military command center in Kuwait as region simmers: What to know GCC countries have stepped up their joint defense efforts with the announcement of a new forward command center to be headquartered in Kuwait, as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate. Saudi Arabia
Hegseth strikes defiant tone, calls House impeachment process 'farce' Pentagon's top official called Rep. Thomas Massie's charges a 'farce,' arguing other defense secretaries trespassed on the War Powers Act without being impeached. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer From Oct. 7 inquiry to blocking Netanyahu: Eisenkot's bloc maps out Knesset agenda Israel's opposition to advance anti-Netanyahu government measures as soon as Knesset convenes Tuesday, without waiting for a new cabinet to take shape. Israel
Slotkin, Van Hollen emerge as potential challengers to Schumer’s Senate leadership A growing number of Democrats are calling for new leadership in the Senate to replace Schumer, arguing that the party needs a leader who better reflects its generational and ideological shift to the left. United States
Turkish imam loses his job over lyrics criticizing government Demotion of an imam over a protest song comes as another sign of the expanding intolerant climate in Turkey ahead of June elections. Turkey
Turkey bullish about F-16 deal with Washington, despite Menendez's vow to block it The New Jersey senator has vowed to block any deal until the Turkish president "halts his campaign of aggression against the region." Turkey
Iraqi lawmakers elect Abdul Latif Rashid as new president The often-deadlocked parliament chose a veteran Kurdish politician as president, who in turn designated Muhammad Shia al-Sudani for the prime minister position. Iraq
Israel on high alert over clashes in east Jerusalem Tensions in the West Bank and in the east Jerusalem Shuafat refugee camp are quickly spreading to many other locations, with violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli troops. Israel
Rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone as lawmakers gather to select Iraq's president As lawmakers were preparing to select the country's president, several rockets hit the area around the parliament building. Iraq
Hamas leaders head to Damascus amid rapprochement A large Palestinian delegation, including Hamas leaders, is expected to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus in late October, seeking to mend ties after a decade-long rupture. Palestine
Analysis The Takeaway: Congress weighs action against Saudi Arabia after OPEC+ cut Plus, behind the scenes of the Israel-Lebanon maritime deal; Gaza’s female students reject the veil; Egyptian students protest dress codes; Egypt shelves Russian MIR payment system; West Bank violence escalates. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Palestinian security forces become more involved in resistance in West Bank The involvement of Palestinian security service members in attacks against Israeli forces in the West Bank is on the increase, amid the growing concerns of the Israeli army. Palestine
Iran's Khamenei tells officials to 'act on their duties' amid ongoing protests Hours after Iran's supreme leader renewed his order for measures against protesters, Iranians took to the streets in several cities once again, calling for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. Iran
EU warns Turkey on ties with Russia ahead of Erdogan-Putin meeting The European Commission’s annual report on Turkey criticizes Ankara for increasing trade and financial relations with Russia, inviting Russian oligarchs to the country and undermining EU sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Israelis' Russian families allowed into country after deportation backlash After disastrous deportation incidents, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked has agreed to grant tourist visas to the spouses of Russian Israelis fleeing Russia. Israel
Israeli PM acknowledges role of Biden, Macron in Lebanon maritime deal Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid confirmed this evening publications in France over the significant role played by French President Emmanuel Macron in reaching the maritime agreement with Lebanon. Israel