Newsletter: Daily Briefing Araghchi warns Israel as US, Iran hold technical talks in Doha Syria unveils its transitional parliament appointees; Kuwait’s Zain plans a major telecom investment in postwar Syria; and North Africa’s World Cup teams make history. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Who is Melat Kiros, the pro-Palestinian who unseated a longtime Democrat? Kiros has taken a hard stance against Israel and opposes all aid to the country as pro-Palestinian candidates make further inroads in the party. United States
Explainer Saudi FM concludes China visit amid Trump-MBS friction: What to know Saudi Arabia is still absorbing the war’s security fallout and is widening its circle by leaning more on Beijing as a diplomatic counterweight to Washington and as a partner that can engage Tehran. China
Newsletter: China-Middle East Saudi FM goes to China amid Trump-MBS friction By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Analysis For Israel, Lebanon deal 'historic' despite fears Hezbollah will rebuild By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar says no direct Iran-US talks in Doha By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
WATCH: Pentagon releases video of Iran ballistic missile attack on Iraq air base More than a dozen ballistic missiles rained down on Ain al-Asad and Erbil air bases in Iraq last year after the United States killed Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
Turkey silent as US Khashoggi report emerges Ankara's silence following the declassification of a US intelligence report implicating the Saudi crown prince in journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing speaks to its own contradictions on the issue. Saudi Arabia
Iran rejects EU invitation to talks with US on nuclear deal Tehran's rejection may be posturing, but the clock is ticking on chances to limit its nuclear capabilities. United States
Biden approves airstrike on Iran-backed militias in Syria following Iraq attacks Officials suggested the late-night precision bombing was designed to minimize casualties while avoiding backlash from the Iraqi government. Iraq
CENTCOM chief warns Iran over strikes on Erbil, Saudi Arabia Gen. Kenneth "'Frank" McKenzie warned Iran in the boldest statement yet from the Biden administration over the attacks. Saudi Arabia
As Erdogan finesses Turkey-US ties, Pentagon reiterates stance on S-400s A Pentagon official urged Ankara to take action over its Russian-made S-400 missile acquisition after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed interest in restoring bilateral ties. Turkey
Intel: Blinken tells Egypt that human rights are 'central' to US relationship Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed concern over Egypt’s planned procurement of Su-35 fighter aircraft from Russia. Egypt
Kataib Hezbollah denies role in recent Iraq rocket attacks The high-profile, Iran-backed militia denied responsibility for attacks on US targets in Iraq. Iraq
Former Israeli security officials call on Netanyahu to dialogue with US on Iran deal For many former senior security officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should work with the Biden administration, not against it, for a rapid nuclear deal with Iran. Israel
Erik Prince violated Libya arms embargo, UN report alleges The Blackwater founder and associates sought to buy helicopter gunships from Jordan to aid Libyan warlord Khalifa Hifter's assault on Tripoli, investigators believe. Jordan
Israeli ambassador demands Saturday Night Live apologize over vaccine joke Israel's ambassador to the United States and United Nations is upset with the comedy show for joking that Israel is only vaccinating Jews. Israel
Sullivan says US communicating with Iran on detained Americans According to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the administration has "begun to communicate" with Iran over the handful of Americans held in the country. United States