Rouhani defends Zarif’s G-7 appearance

Conservative Iranian media outlets found much to criticize in Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s surprise arrival at the G-7 meeting, but President Hassan Rouhani is standing by the move.

United States

Israel 2019: There is still hope for coexistence

In stark contrast to the racist performances of two of Rabbi Kahane’s top disciples, who were disqualified from running for the Knesset, the success of a joint performance by Jews and Arabs singing of peace and equality stands out.

Israel

US influence on the line if Israel has 'free hand' to bomb Iraq

Israeli attacks in Iraq signal need for some red lines with Iran.

Iraq

Why Iran has been quiet when it comes to Syria's Idlib, safe zone

Iran has been careful not to antagonize Turkey while also opposing US-Turkish agreements on Syria.

Syria

Why is Netanyahu reviving Palestinians' ‘willing relocation’?

Past attempts to encourage Palestinians to voluntarily emigrate have always failed, so time and effort would be better invested in reaching an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement than pursuing a new push by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Gaza residents to voluntarily move elsewhere.

Near East

Syrians in makeshift displacement camp face ‘impossible choice’

A joint United Nations-Syrian Arab Red Crescent mission has arrived at the Rukban camp, near the Jordanian border, where more than 10,000 people are living in dire conditions, to ask them if they want to go back to the government-held area of Homs province.

Jordan

Hamas seeks ties with other factions, Palestinian families

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar revealed details of a recent meeting between Hamas and Islamic Jihad to coordinate efforts to confront Israel and pursue the Palestinian cause.

Palestine

Macron to press Trump on Iran diplomacy at G-7

French President Emmanuel Macron says he will present US President Donald Trump ideas for an economic incentive package to try to advance Iran diplomacy at the G-7 summit in Biarritz this weekend.

United States

Netanyahu turns his back on Democrats, US Jews

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not react to the statement by President Donald Trump about American Jews not loyal to their homeland, because for a long while now he has not counted them as a strategic asset of Israel.

Israel

What was behind regional tour of Iranian foreign minister?

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif goes to Kuwait and Qatar to promote dialogue, perhaps because opportunities that once developed through Oman may no longer be as fruitful as they once were.

Saudi Arabia

Iran unveils new missile defense system

Iranian media hails counter to Russian S-300 missile defense system.

Russia

Turkey’s Patriot offer dead after S-400 delivery

The Donald Trump administration automatically rescinded a $3.5 billion deal to sell Patriot missile defenses to Turkey after it took delivery of a Russian alternative in July, US officials have told Al-Monitor.

Syria