The Takeaway: Bennett has opening to sway Biden administration on Iran nuclear deal

Also: Iran’s new foreign minister and Nasrallah; Syrian Islamist group cracks down in Idlib; TikTok finds audiences in Egypt, Gaza; Israel’s chocolate confiscation; and more … in about 1,500 words!

Israel

Sources: Taliban move helped US keep Afghans off Kabul airfield last week

The original plan to secure Kabul airport took the presence of Afghan security forces for granted, a US official said.

United States

Pentagon sidelines ally Turkey as US takes control of Kabul airport

Taliban fighters helped secure the southern perimeter of Kabul airport as the US Army's 82nd Airborne rushed in to take control, marking a rare moment of coordination between the years-long enemies.

United States

Whither US policy toward Iran?

The election of Iran's new president and the Taliban's stunning takeover in Afghanistan have somewhat shaken up the Iran nuclear deal talks, but the United States and Iran clearly know reinstating the deal is in both their favor.

United States

Pentagon rushes more reinforcements to Kabul airport as panic disrupts evacuations

US troops regained control of the runway Monday afternoon after masses of Afghans rushed onto the tarmac hoping to escape.

United States

More US troops arrive at Kabul airport to bolster Turkish mission

Pentagon says forces could potentially remain in Kabul beyond original withdrawal deadline.

Washington Pulse

Intel: US sanctions oil broker reportedly linked to Iran’s Quds Force

Iran

Turkey ‘still in lead’ as US surges troops back to Kabul airport for evacuation

The Pentagon is readying as many as 8,000 troops to facilitate the withdrawal of American and Afghan personnel.

United States

Biden administration calls on Syria to return missing journalist Austin Tice

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the United States is committed to "following all avenues and talking to anyone" who can help return Tice, a journalist and Marine veteran who disappeared in Syria nine years ago.

Syria

Intel: US ambassador meets Libya's Hifter in Cairo

The US envoy is for pushing for cooperation with Libya's planned elections in December, State Department says.

Libya

Iran sending more weapons to Yemen's Houthis amid cease-fire effort: Pentagon

Pentagon allegation comes as Iranian and Saudi officials are reportedly preparing to meet in Baghdad later this month

United States

Senators call for release of 'unjustly imprisoned' women in Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia

Democratic lawmakers condemn four Middle Eastern states for the politically motivated imprisonment of a number of women and call for the prisoners' release.

Washington Pulse