Iraq’s Zaidi doubles down on militia disarmament, boosting oil exports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the comments amid Hormuz-related export struggles and a nearing deadline for armed groups to disarm. Iraq
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Houthis claim new strikes on Saudi Arabia after IRGC warning: What to know A senior Iranian commander said Saudi Arabia will be unable to the defeat the Yemeni group as the conflict intensifies. Yemen
Australia summons Israeli ambassador over World Central Kitchen strike: What to know Australia has summoned Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman after the Israeli military decided not to open a criminal investigation into the killing of one Australian and six other World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza in 2024. Israel
Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
What we know about Israeli strikes on Syrian air base tied to Turkey By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis Netanyahu yields to Trump on Gaza, betting Hamas won’t disarm By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Sudan: 14 killed in camp shelling blamed on RSF as Darfur violence grows An attack on the Abu Shouk displacement camp in El Fasher has killed 14 people amid ongoing assaults on civilians and humanitarian convoys. Sudan
Iran says 13 ISIS affiliates arrested for planning suicide attacks ISIS’ Khorasan branch has conducted numerous attacks against Iran in recent years, prompting authorities to pursue its members. Iran
US envoy Barrack in Israel after cross-border shelling with Syria: What to know US envoy for Syria Tom Barrack met Wednesday with Israeli officials in an effort to de-escalate ongoing tensions with Syria and Turkey. Israel
Exclusive Ankara’s direct talks with Syrian Kurds began last year in Europe, continue in Turkey The talks are part of a sweeping effort to end Turkey’s decades-long war with the PKK and reshape Ankara’s relationship with Kurdish-led forces in Syria. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran’s FM vows 'noninterference' in Lebanon during Beirut visit: What to know The Iranian visit to Lebanon comes as talks of disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah group is gaining momentum. Lebanon
PLO officials in Lebanon as push to disarm Palestinian camps gains steam The effort to disarm Palestinian armed groups in Lebanon’s refugee camps will require outside support, according to one expert, as pressure to disarm Hezbollah grows. Lebanon
US Syria envoy Barrack says troop drawdown to continue, support for Kurds to remain Trump’s ambassador to Ankara told a Turkish TV news outlet that American troops will eventually draw down to a single base in Syria, but that Washington is unlikely to abandon the Kurdish-led forces. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Sudan’s new PM dissolves government but military control remains firm In his first public address, Prime Minister Kamil Idris set ambitious goals to restore security by eliminating “rebellious militias,” though analysts warn the goal may be beyond his reach. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Israel expands Gaza offensive as dozens reported killed at aid sites Israel has announced an expanded Gaza military operation after accusing Hamas of rejecting the latest US ceasefire proposal. Israel
Protests surge as Libyans demand PM Dbeibeh’s resignation: What to know The latest protests were triggered by clashes between government-aligned militias in mid-May that left eight dead and deepened public frustration over militia control in Tripoli. Libya
Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told relatives of hostages held in Gaza that he accepts the recent proposal by American envoy Steve Witkoff, which is expected to secure the release of 10 abductees and establish a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
