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
Drones used by Iran-backed militias are coming from China, US says Senior US official accuses Beijing of playing both sides in the Middle East’s race for drone technology. Legacy: Gulf
Israel launches airstrikes against Islamic Jihad in Gaza Three months before the Nov. 1 elections, and following growing tensions on Gaza border, Prime Minister Yair Lapid decided to respond forcefully to Islamic Jihad threats. Israel
Russia eyes Port Sudan as key naval hub Russia-Sudan ties have deepened since the October 2021 military takeover in Sudan and the Russia-Ukraine war. North Africa
Russian Orthodox Church builds on links with Egyptian Copts Egypt's Giza governorate now hosts an administrative and spiritual center for the Russian Orthodox Church. Egypt
Muqtada al-Sadr complicates Iranian moves in Iraq Iranians from different sides look at Iraq's Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s recent move with suspicion. Iraq
Lebanese mourn, seethe as damaged and neglected Beirut port silos fall Victims of the Beirut blast can only watch as the port’s ruined grain silos – an unofficial monument to those killed and a symbol of denied justice – have begun to collapse after two years of indecision from government authorities. Lebanon
US calls on Yemen's Houthis to release embassy staff US Special Envoy Yemen Tim Lenderking said the rebels' detention of US and UN staff "sends an extremely negative signal." Yemen
Erdogan hopes Putin summit will greenlight Turkey's new Syria operation Ankara’s central role in facilitating the Russia-Ukraine grain deal could strengthen its hand in securing Moscow’s acceptance of a Turkish military incursion. Turkey
After years of hostility, Turkey forges ties with eastern Libya Turkey’s hosting of the head of Libya’s eastern-based parliament sets a meaningful landmark in its bid to reshape its Libya policy. Turkey
Iranian influence turns PKK-weakened Kurdistan into regional battleground Vehicles allegedly carrying Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) commanders continue to be targeted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq amid claims Iran controls both the PKK and Shiite-led forces in oil-rich and disputed Kirkuk. Iraq
Israel sends armed drones over border to curb Islamic Jihad threat The escalation comes after the IDF arrested one of their senior leaders in the West Bank. Israel
Iranian negotiators in Vienna as questions remain over IRGC delisting The removal of the Revolutionary Guards from the US list of foreign terrorist organizations continues to play a central role in the debates surrounding the revival of the Iran nuclear deal. Iran