Analysis Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order? Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
What’s next for Syrian refugees in Lebanon? As pressure is increasing on Lebanon’s economy, the Lebanese authorities are working to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees, despite the hesitation of the international community and the United States. Lebanon
US-Turkey road map in Syria risks Kurdish blowback The Pentagon’s Kurdish allies could get shut out as the United States and Turkey move closer to a deal to settle a dispute over the contested Syrian city of Manbij. Syria
Iran undeterred by possible Russia-Israel deal on Syria Iranian analysts believe any possible deal for Iran to pull back from Syria is designed to prevent the end of the country’s civil war. Palestine
Trump missing piece in Putin’s Syria plan The Russian president needs the United States to stabilize Syria, but expects sanctions relief in return. Israel
US hopes for a quick Syria exit run into a minefield in Raqqa The Donald Trump administration faces significant hurdles getting the centerpiece of its reconstruction efforts back on track. Syria
Concern mounts as coalition forces advance on key Yemeni port Has the United States lifted its “red light” on an Emirati- and Saudi-backed military operation to take the key Yemeni port? Saudi Arabia
Turkey's steel wars heat up While gearing up for countermeasures against US steel tariffs, Turkey faces a fresh challenge from regional steel producers who are increasingly targeting its own market. Turkey
Palestinian, American Christians meet in Bethlehem The unity between Christians from abroad and fellow Christians in Palestine gives Palestinians hope they can stay put on their land. Palestine
Is Trump really so popular in Israel? Contrary to the popular belief that all Israelis applaud US President Donald Trump's policies, center and left-wing politicians worry that the Trump-Netanyahu axis distances an agreement with the Palestinians and isolates Israel on Iran. Palestine
Adviser to Iran's supreme leader outlines steps to boost nuclear program A key adviser to Iran’s supreme leader outlined a number of recommendations Iran should take to advance its nuclear program capabilities. United States
Iraq's pro-Iran factions shrug off congressional sanctions push Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Hezbollah Brigades have dismissed the effectiveness of possible new US sanctions against them and claim they might even be helpful. Iraq
Israel's undiplomatic top diplomat Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely made yet another questionable diplomatic move this week, boasting about an education agreement signed with Myanmar. Israel