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
In preparation for Biden’s visit, Israeli president meets with Jordanian king Ahead of President Biden's mid-July visit to the region, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met in Amman with Jordanian King Abdullah II. Israel
Iran media publishes conflicting reports over status of nuclear talks in Qatar Indirect talks in Qatar have made little or no progress on restarting nuclear deal, Islamic Republic outlets agree. Iran
Deal with Sweden, Finland over NATO membership sees Turkey’s Erdogan hailed at home Pro-government voices see agreement as Nordic countries bowing to Turkish demands, but opponents remain critical. Turkey
Just before Knesset disperses, Israeli opposition blocks bipartisan bills Despite the agreement to disband the Knesset tonight, the opposition has blocked widely supported legislation. Israel
Hamas arrests university president in Gaza, provoking outrage from Palestinians The arrest of Salem al-Sabah, head of the University of Palestine in the Gaza Strip, sparked widespread condemnation among academics. Palestine
Syrian armed groups clash outside Aleppo Hayat Tahrir al-Sham entered the areas under the control of Turkish-backed factions in the countryside of Aleppo. Syria
Saudis side with Egypt on Nile dam Saudi Arabia has explicitly and officially voiced its support for Egypt in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis. Egypt
Syrian airline operates flights from Russian-controlled airports Flights are being operated to the Qamishli Airport after the Damascus International Airport went out of service due to Israeli air strikes. Syria
Turkey lifts objection to Sweden, Finland joining NATO at last minute Following the signing of a memorandum between Turkey, Sweden, and Finland, Erdogan lifted his veto against the Nordic expansion of NATO hours before the Madrid summit started. Turkey
23 migrants dead at Morocco-Spain border Spain’s enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta in North Africa have long been a flashpoint for people seeking to enter the European Union from Africa, resulting in tensions between Morocco, Algeria and Spain. North Africa
Conflicting reports on Islamic State leader arrested in US operation in north Syria The US-led coalition has revealed the identity of the Islamic State leader it arrested during an airdrop operation in northern Syria, saying he was a prominent bombmaker. But some Syrian opposition sources say they got the wrong man. Syria
Iran negotiator in Doha for indirect nuclear talks with US The new round is starting at a critical moment for Iran, where lingering sanctions and soaring prices have intensified public discontent. Iran