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
Netanyahu slams Lapid over Israeli inflation spike Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu believes the high cost of living is where he can turn Israeli citizens against Prime Minister Yair Lapid and his government. Israel
Analysis The Takeaway: Yemen’s truce renewed but permanent peace elusive Strains in Israel-Russia ties; psychological toll of Israeli warplanes over Lebanon; Gulf expands ESG investment; Tunisia’s water shortage and Erdogan's diplomatic star turn on Black Sea grain initiative. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Iraqi government initiates dialogue to end national crisis Iraqi and international leaders are responding positively to the prime minister's call fior national dialogue among the various political parties. Iraq
Taliban on edge after US kills al-Qaeda chief in upscale Kabul neighborhood The US and the Taliban traded accusations of violating a key 2020 accord after Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed by a US drone attack in a part of the Afghan capital long known for its ostentatious villas. Iraq
Israel expands West Bank security fence as violence escalates in Jenin Following the wave of violence in March and April, Israeli security authorities are working on the unfinished security wall in the north of the West Bank. Israel
Negotiators head to Vienna for Iran nuclear talks An Iranian lawmaker says recent proposals have grown closer to Iran’s positions. Iran
Palestinians alarmed by lawlessness in West Bank A state of insecurity has become widespread in the West Bank, raising fears among Palestinians of the uncertain future that awaits them. Palestine
Syrian jihadi group charges farmers for irrigation amid water crisis The water resources directorate of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-affiliated Salvation Government has imposed fees for irrigation as part of a project to rehabilitate water stations in al-Roj Plain in Idlib. Syria
US warns Taliban to abide by Doha peace agreement Washington has vowed additional strikes in Afghanistan if the Taliban does not move against Al-Qaeda. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Lapid’s legacy to include better relations between Israel, Jordan First as foreign minister, and then as prime minister, Yair Lapid identified rehabilitating commercial and diplomatic ties with Jordan as top priority for Israel. Israel
Middle East reactions: Al-Qaeda leader Zawahiri killed in US drone strike Saudi Arabia and Israel praised the operation which killed the Al-Qaeda leader; a Syrian jihadist group appeared to offer condolences. Syria
Armenia clings to Turkish peace talks to avert war with Azerbaijan Erdogan has made it clear that progress in the talks is contingent on progress on Armenia’s negotiations for a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Turkey