Turkey's Erdogan to run for 'final' third term in 2028, adviser says If Turkey's parliament votes to move the next election up during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s second term, he could constitutionally run for third. Turkey
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
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
Islamic Jihad retaliates against Israeli strike on Gaza with support of Palestinian factions Egyptian mediation seeks to prevent escalation of conflict. Palestine
As Israeli strikes on Gaza continue, Islamic Jihad responds with missiles Jerusalem is hoping that Hamas will stay out of the conflict with Gaza-based Islamic Jihad, as PIJ and Iranian officials meet in Damscus. Israel
Doctors abandon Gaza hospital on orders of Palestinian Authority Dozens of doctors employed by the Palestinian Authority have left their posts at one of the largest hospitals in Gaza, reportedly on orders from Ramallah. Palestine
Analysis Iran’s long shadow from Vienna to Baghdad and beyond More may be riding on the JCPOA talks than just the fate of Iran’s nuclear program. By Week in Review
Sadr so far cool to UN mediation to break Iraqi political deadlock United Nations special representative Jeanine Plasschaert met with Muqtada al-Sadr in Najaf, but so far there are no signs of a compromise. Iraq
Iraqi Kurds and Sunnis fear intra-Shiite conflict could spiral to other communities Sunnis and Kurds in Iraq are wary that if unresolved, the fighting among Shiite factions could spill over into their regions. Iraq
IAEA report still key sticking point in Iran nuclear talks Multiple sources report ‘progress’ in Vienna meetings this week. Iran
At summit, Erdogan, Putin still divided on Syria Ankara agreed that part of its natural gas payments to Moscow would be switched to rubles. Turkey
Israel airstrikes kill Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza Detecting military regrouping, Israel’s air force struck this afternoon several Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza and killed the head of its northern district command. Israel
US urges Israel to expedite legislation needed for visa waiver A senior official at the US Embassy in Jerusalem warned that if the Knesset waits until after the Nov. 1 elections to pass legislation required for the American visa-waiver plan, the wait for entering the program could be very long. Israel
Turkey frees Palestinian man in Haiti assassination saga A Palestinian man suspected of involvement in the slaying of Haiti’s president last year has left Turkey after winning a protracted legal battle over his detention in the country. Turkey