China’s overland trade routes offer Iran wartime economic lifeline: What to know Cargo rail traffic between China and Iran has reportedly surged since the US blockade began in April as Tehran seeks overland trade alternatives to help buy time. Iran
Culture How ‘dog mom’ vacuum cleaner ad sparked culture war in Turkey A Mother’s Day advertisement featuring a “dog mom” triggered a backlash from conservative media, government officials and regulators, turning a soft consumer campaign into a flashpoint over motherhood, declining birth rates, stray dogs and even antisemitism. Turkey
US strikes Iran tankers as UAE reports fresh missile, drone attacks Strikes on Iranian tankers and fresh exchanges in the Gulf escalate tensions as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a deal proposal. Iran
Upcoming Lebanon-Israel talks will see higher-level participation, discuss security ‘framework’ The third round of talks between Lebanon and Israel will stretch over two days and include diplomatic and military officials. Lebanon
Analysis CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
![Traffic passes a billboard depicting Iranian ballistic missiles in service, with text in Arabic reading "the honest [person's] promise" and in Persian "Israel is weaker than a spider's web," Valiasr Square, Tehran, April 15, 2024. ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2026-05/GettyImages-2147824584.jpg?h=67ca0ccd&itok=5Mrozs-5)
