Ex-Iraqi MP Ahmed Alwani found dead in Lebanon: What to know Ahmed al-Alwani was a prominent leader of anti-government protests by Iraqi Sunnis in 2013, and was released from prison last year. Iraq
Iran unveils new underground 'missile city': What to know Iran has moved much of its missile stockpile underground as the threat of a new war looms. Iran
Turkey bars MP’s wife from travel after his fund scandal criticism: What to know Opposition politicians and rights advocates described Yonca Verdioglu Sik’s brief detention as an attempt to intimidate her husband, opposition lawmaker Ahmet Sik, over his criticism of the government. Turkey
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' By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Israel, Turkey to reappoint ambassadors, opening new chapter in relations After 20 months of courtship, Jerusalem now believes Ankara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are sincere in their efforts to rehabilitate bilateral ties. Israel
Qatar boosts drone defenses ahead of FIFA World Cup Several NATO nations will contribute personnel, hardware and technology to keep the soccer tournament safe from drones and other threats, while also building Qatar's own capabilities. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey completes more than 62,000 homes in Idlib, but will refugees return home? Syrian refugees fear that the Turkish government will go ahead with its plan to deport them to northwest Syria. Syria
Palestinians claim social media crackdown following latest Gaza war A fierce attack has been launched on Palestinian social media content, as dozens of accounts of Palestinian activists, journalists and media institutions have been restricted and deleted in the past year and after the latest Israeli war on Gaza. Palestine
Analysis The Takeaway: Iran deal may come too late to stave off energy crisis in Europe Turkey’s mysterious foreign currency; Israel and Russia; Islamic Jihad says Tel Aviv reneges on truce; Palestinian activists claim social media crackdown; Iraq’s Coordination Framework. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Kadhimi hosts national dialogue of Iraqi leaders to end political deadlock Iraqi political leaders joined today to discuss a roadmap for ending current political crisis, as part of an initiative for national dialogue, with all major parties except the Sadrists represented. Iraq
Turkey, Israel to dispatch ambassadors in diplomatic renewal Israeli Prime Minister Lapid and Turkish President Erdogan agree on phone that the decision to return ambassadors and consuls general to Israel and Turkey will lead to new steps, including the upcoming convening of the Joint Economic Commission in Israel in September. Turkey
Ultra-nationalist lawmaker ramps up ahead of Israeli elections Head of the far-right Otzma Yehudit faction Itamar Ben Gvir says he no longer needs the Religious Zionism party as an ally to get into the Knesset. Israel
Saudi authorities find amphetamine pills in cleaning supplies Smugglers continue to use creative methods to bring drugs into the kingdom, which struggles with amphetamine addiction. Legacy: Gulf
Golf commentator who criticized Saudi-backed LIV Golf sued for defamation The Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee has been one of the most virulent critics of LIV Golf and is now being sued by Patrick Reed, who plays for the breakaway tour. Saudi Arabia
Third filling of Nile dam heightens Ethiopia-Egypt crisis Ethiopia announced it has completed the third filling of the reservoir for its controversial dam on the Blue Nile, amid harsh reactions from its neighbors. Egypt
Islamic Jihad says Israel reneges on ceasefire terms, threatens escalation The Gaza-based group expects the release of prisoners, and calls on Egypt to clarify agreement. Palestine