Analysis Israel pushes for full Iran blockade as it awaits Trump's next move Israel’s preferred strategy, sources told Al-Monitor, calls for a comprehensive naval, economic, land and air blockade of Iran, alongside tighter sanctions and covert activity aimed at destabilizing the regime. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Turkey looks to NATO summit for breakthrough on US F-35s acquisition Amid preparations for the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey is eyeing sideline talks for a possible breakthrough on removing US sanctions tied to its purchase of Russian S-400 systems. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver as Iran war squeezes supply The waiver temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil for 30 days. Iran
Iraqi militia leader in US custody after arrest: What to know Authorities said the individual is linked to a mysterious pro-Iran group that has been claiming attacks on Jewish communities in Europe. Iraq
Analysis ‘A reckless act’: Netanyahu sparks UAE fury by claiming secret visit By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Erdogan’s latest wake-up call on Islamic State The Obama administration weighs deeper coordination with Moscow against Jabhat al-Nusra; Erdogan’s slow turnaround on Syria policy; Hamas seeks to resume ties with Iran. Palestine
US election 2016: Clinton veep talk heats up Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of June 27. Congress
Has EU given up hope in Israel’s new defense minister? European Union officials believe that actions taken by Israel's new Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman in favor of the settlement enterprise reflect his true political colors. Palestine
Erdogan displays survival instinct in Israel reconciliation Turkey has taken major steps to end its global isolation by reconciling with Israel and apologizing to Russia. Palestine
Iran rejects speculation on shift, divisions over Syria Iranian officials claim no differences among officials on Syria; Russia may be rethinking its Syria strategy; UN envoy stresses need for US, Russia “critical mass” in Syria. Syria
US election 2016: Brexit buoys Trump Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of June 20. Congress
Should next US president consider an Iran nuke deal 2.0? Sen. Chris Coons says it's critical to forge new relationships between top US and Iranian officials when the Barack Obama administration leaves office to ensure continued smooth implementation of the landmark nuclear deal. Congress
UN Syria envoy looks for talks to resume in July UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said a “critical mass” of agreement between Russia and the United States was still needed before holding a new round of intra-Syrian talks on a political transition. Syria
Are major players shifting strategies in Syria? Russia and the US find themselves in a complex situation in Syria, with plenty of doubt to go around. Syria
Why Iran should come off financial watchdog’s blacklist Given major international banks’ continued reluctance to engage with Iranian counterparts despite the nuclear deal, getting Iran off of the FATF blacklist is a key step in addressing this threat to the nuclear deal. United States
Poker-faced Netanyahu gambles with US aid money Top Israeli politicians and security officials are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the aid package offered by the United States and not take the needless risk of holding out for more. Israel
Iranian economists worry about both Clinton and Trump Iranian economists aren’t terribly excited about the departure of US President Barack Obama. United States