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
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
Iran vows response to US sanctions, ramps up enrichment In response to new US sanctions, Iran has announced its capability to develop atomic weapons. Iran
Israeli army on alert after arrest of Islamic Jihad senior official The IDF has reopened some of the roads blocked off near Gaza, but soldiers remain ready for trouble. Israel
Syria, Iran condemn Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan China is a close ally of both countries but has also made economic inroads recently with US partners in the Middle East. Iran
Netanyahu shapes next Likud Knesset list to his liking Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu uses all sorts of means to control the composition of the next Likud Knesset list, so that it does not reflect bad on him and that it does not promote his rivals. Israel
Is Russia escalating Jewish Agency crisis because of Israel's stance on Ukraine? Some Israeli security and diplomatic experts believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin instigated the Jewish Agency crisis to pressure Israel against selling natural gas to Europe. Israel
Israeli warplanes become every day reality for Lebanese Research based on complaints to the UN Security Council reveals an intrusive and constant Israeli presence over Lebanese airspace, with consequences for public health. Lebanon