Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar reports progress in US-Iran talks Syrian FM in Lebanon; Pro-Palestinian candidate unseats long-serving Democrat in Colorado; Turkish jets strike al-Shabab targets in Somalia; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Biden administration extends temporary protections for Syrians Under the extension, more than 6,700 Syrians will retain their special immigration status through September 2022. Syria
Biden picks Robert Malley as special envoy for Iran Malley, who currently runs the International Crisis Group in DC, will oversee Biden's efforts to rejoin the Iranian nuclear agreement. United States
IDF chief warns US not to rejoin Iran deal IDF chief Aviv Kochavi apparently did not consult with his superiors before speaking out against the United States returning to the nuclear deal with Iran. Israel
Pentagon reassures Middle East partners on deterring Iran The US military is signaling its show of force against Tehran may continue as the State Department explores paths toward a renewed nuclear agreement. United States
Intel: Progressives defend Robert Malley as Biden's possible Iran envoy Critics accuse the former Obama official of overlooking Iran's human rights record. Congress
Erdogan's man takes on mission impossible in Washington Turkey's incoming ambassador to Washington has surprised observers by being a political appointee, but his perceived direct line to the Turkish president may prove a major asset. Turkey
Iran reaches 20% uranium enrichment The increase in enrichment levels complicates the Biden administration's efforts to get Iran to return to compliance before reentering the Iran nuclear deal. United States
Iran’s FM tweets 'reality check' to US on nuclear deal Iran's foreign minister responded over Twitter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's comments regarding US reentry to the deal. United States
The Takeaway: Timing of return to nuclear deal depends on Iran Blinken reiterates Biden policy to return to nuclear deal, once Iran is in compliance; Israel readies its war room as possible last resort. Israel
'A prudent first step': State Department reviewing UAE, Saudi arms sales The administration has suspended major foreign arms sales in what the State Department characterized as a routine decision. United States
Biden administration pauses arms sales to Gulf pending review The freeze includes the F-35 deal for the United Arab Emirates and bombs for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Biden Administration increases B-52 bombers in region as deterrent to Iran The United States Air Force has sent a sixth sortie of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over the Middle East. United States