Feature Armenia's Pashinyan keeps Iran close while wooing Trump, Turkey and Azerbaijan As Yerevan pursues normalization with Turkey and Azerbaijan and backs a US-led transport corridor, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is working to reassure an increasingly assertive Iran that its interests won't be threatened. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis-How Iran's 'golden weapon' of Hormuz became a bigger priority than its long-disputed nuclear programme Reuters
IMF cuts 2026 world growth forecast, flags risks from new Mideast fighting The IMF cut its 2026 global growth projection again Wednesday, flagging "uncertainty and risks" to the economic outlook as fighting reignited in the Middle East. "Developments overnight illustrate the uncertainty and risks that surround the outlook," said Petya Koeva Brooks, deputy director at the IMF's research department. Agence France-Presse
US to drop Syria from terror blacklist The terrorism label remained a key obstacle to Syria's postwar reconstruction. Syria
Israeli jails a 'graveyard,' says freed Palestinian journalist A Palestinian journalist said Israeli prisons have become a "graveyard" for the living, following a dramatic decline in his health after being released earlier this year. In late April, Israel released 60-year-old journalist Ali Al-Samoudi from Jenin after a year in detention. Agence France-Presse
Lebanon's Aoun to meet Trump in first presidential summit in US since 2009 The visit by the Lebanese head of state will coincide with ongoing US-sponsored Lebanon-Israel talks. Lebanon
Trump declares MoU with Iran 'over' as Hegseth cancels trip to Israel Trump said diplomacy with Tehran was “a waste of time” after renewed attacks around Hormuz, as US defense chief reportedly cancels Israel visit. Turkey
