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
Ukraine’s Turkey ambassador: strategic ties intact but public unhappy over Turkish stance on Russia Turkey's ambassador to Kyiv has been summoned to voice Ukraine's displeasure over its grain stolen by Russia and shipped to Turkish ports. Turkey
Iran galvanizes regional diplomacy amid impasse in nuclear talks Iran's chief negotiator traveled to Oman a day after Qatar's foreign minister visited Tehran in what seemed to be diplomatic efforts for an impetus to US-Iran nuclear talks. Iran
Israel, US sign agreement to facilitate visa waiver program Israeli and American representatives have signed an information-sharing agreement needed for Israel to join the US Visa Waiver program, but the hurdle of Knesset approval remains. Israel
Turkey, Israel initial accord to pave way to resume El Al flights to Turkey A new aviation agreement would pave the way for Israeli airline companies’ flights to Turkey, which were suspended due to security concerns in 2007. Turkey
Egypt hopes Gulf mediation will help resolve Nile dam dispute Egypt has intensified its contacts with Gulf countries to mobilize support in the GERD file, although statements and public support may not be enough to pressure Ethiopia back to the negotiation table. Egypt
Analysis The Takeaway: Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing looms over Biden trip to Israel, West Bank A hedging US response to the Palestinian-American journalist's killing reinforces beliefs about favoritism for those living in the West Bank and Gaza. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
US unveils fresh sanctions on Iranian oil trade network The Biden administration designated 15 individuals and entities located in Iran, Vietnam, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. Iran
Turkey under pressure to crack down on Russian shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain Ukraine’s growing pressure on Turkey to act against Russian shipments of “stolen” Ukrainian grain highlights the importance of establishing a safe export corridor under UN auspices. Turkey
Lapid makes smooth landing in Israeli prime minister’s office Having long prepared for the job, Yair Lapid quickly took on the role of Israel’s prime minister. Israel
Iran denies asking for new concessions in nuclear deal Iran’s foreign minister says that economic guarantees from the nuclear deal are nothing new. Iran
Turkey’s media watchdog warns against LGBTQ song as crackdown continues Turkish pop star Mabel Matiz's “Copshop,” a song that tells the story of a gay man tortured in a police station, dovetails with a month-long government crackdown on LGBTQ groups and activities during Pride month. Turkey
Israel takes down Hezbollah drones headed for Mediterranean gas rig By intercepting Iran-made UAVs sent by Hezbollah earlier this week, Israel has made it clear that it can protect its maritime assets. Israel