Israel, Morocco agree to exchange ambassadors, open embassies The move will mark the first time Morocco and Israel have exchanged ambassadors. Morocco
China presses Iran, US to reopen Hormuz as disruptions threaten oil supply Conflicts in the region are disrupting two key routes for oil bound for China, with Iranian crude affected by the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi shipments facing growing risks in the Red Sea. Iran
Explainer Why France is pushing to keep UNIFIL in Lebanon beyond 2026 Showing its support for Lebanon, Paris is backing Beirut’s request at the UN for a short-term extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, although French sources acknowledge that the chances of the request being approved are slim. Israel
Algeria pulls Sky News Arabia accreditation amid UAE rift: What to know Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, which owns Sky News Arabia through Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments, last Thursday. Algeria
Exclusive Lacking deterrence, Israel’s security establishment opposes attacks on Houthis By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Gulf MBS visits Egypt as Houthi attacks escalate By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis How far will Iran push Houthis against Saudi Arabia amid raging conflict? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran trained Russians on using armed drones, US intel says The Pentagon has warned Iran not to provide armed drones to Russia for use in Ukraine. Russia / Mideast
Kurdish diva brokenhearted but resolute in face of language discrimination in Turkey The "brutal" quashing of Kurdishness in Turkey continues to be state policy — even in entertainment. Turkey
Russia offers Erdogan economic lifeline Gas payments in rubles will help Turkey reduce its foreign-currency demand. Turkey
Lavrov sidesteps Nile dam dispute in meetings in Egypt, Ethiopia Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov seems to have avoided the GERD issue, instead focusing on his country’s relations with Egypt, Ethiopia and other African countries. Egypt
Who's to blame for ongoing assassinations in Syria's Daraa province? Assassinations of opposition and government officials and loyalists alike are proliferating in Syria’s southern province of Daraa, with the rival parties trading blame as to who is responsible for the spike in killings. Syria
Israel hunts Islamic Jihad operatives in West Bank Despite the cease-fire in the Gaza Strip between Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Israeli army, the West Bank remains volatile. Palestine
US approves Sweden, Finland NATO bid as Turkey warns of conditions Turkey's President Erdogan warned again this week that his government would block the two Nordic countries' bid to join NATO unless they take action against Kurdish leftist groups. Washington Pulse
Iraqi rival parties can't agree on path to new elections Although Iraq's two rival Shiite groups, the Sadrists and the Coordination Framework, both agreed on early elections, they can't agree on the details. Iraq
Erdogan asks Turkish diplomats to fight Islamaphobia Turkey’s president, long criticized for sidelining and politicizing Turkey’s foreign service, is urging ambassadors to do their best to ensure that Turks abroad can participate in upcoming elections. Turkey
US renews Iran sanctions waiver for civilian nuclear activities The waiver renewal comes as the United States and Iran consider a final text of an agreement to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran
Iran negotiators return home, call for 'seriousness' on nuclear deal The Iranian press has been cautiously optimistic since negotiators returned home for consultation on an agreement to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran
US 'concerned' about response to protests in Kurdistan Region Press freedom issues are not new in the autonomous Iraqi region. Iraq