After gun found in lake, French police probe link to 2012 Iraqi family murder A recently discovered Luger pistol may have been used in the mysterious 2012 killing of the al-Hilli family near the Alpine town of Chevaline in eastern France. Iraq
US expands Iran campaign with strikes on oil tankers Airstrikes on Iranian oil tankers mark a subtle tactical pivot after months of periodic bombardment targeting IRGC military infrastructure failed to shut down the IRGC’s attacks in Hormuz. Iran
Iran vows continued military action amid renewed hostilities with US Iran responded to US attacks with a wave of drone and missile strikes against countries across the region, raising fears of a return to war. Iran
Xi makes first Egypt visit in decade as Cairo gets caught in US-China AI row China's Huawei last month submitted a bid to build advanced AI data centers and supply more than 2,000 AI chips for Egyptian government systems. Egypt
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
Syria says six soldiers killed in Israeli drone strike as US pushes for security deal There have been signs of progress in Israel-Syria talks, though tensions are flaring in the south and Syria has condemned a number of Israeli actions. Syria
Sudan cabinet convenes in Khartoum in first since war began: What to know Sudan’s newly formed government met in the capital, Khartoum, for the first time since the war broke out in April 2023, as authorities weigh moving the government’s seat from Port Sudan to the capital. Sudan
IAEA chief says inspectors back in Iran as E3 weighs reimposing sanctions Rafael Grossi's comments come just hours after talks between the E3 and Iran concluded in Geneva, where the two sides discussed the reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran. Iran
Sudan's RSF intensifies attacks on el-Fasher as displaced face starvation Since the weekend, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces militia has stepped up attacks on North Darfur’s besieged capital, el-Fasher. Sudan
Australia expels Iran envoy, accuses Tehran of directing antisemitic attacks: What to know Iran was responsible for the arson attack against a kosher cafe in Sydney as well as the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, according to Australian intelligence services. Iran
New US Navy chief vows major revamp after Mideast conflicts strain fleet Caudle’s swearing-in comes amid broader shakeups across the Navy as the Trump administration continues to dismiss top military brass. United States
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM party to meet jailed PKK leader Ocalan The meeting will come as Ankara ramps up threats against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to disarm. Turkey
Lebanon’s ex-Central Bank chief to be released on $20M bail: What to know Judicial authorities in Lebanon agreed to release former Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh on $20 million bail nearly a year after his arrest on fraud and embezzlement charges. Lebanon
Analysis Will Israel’s potential Syria security deal intensify its rivalry with Turkey? Israeli experts warn that a security deal with Syria won’t ease tensions with Turkey or end the ongoing battle for regional influence. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
New Druze militia forms in Syria as Hijri calls for autonomy Tensions are running high in southern Syria, despite government efforts to investigate the recent violence and deliver more aid. Syria
Canada: Montreal port tied to Hezbollah car trade, presence in Americas The Canadian government said Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as Sikh nationalist groups, are receiving financial support originating from Canada. Lebanon
US envoys in Lebanon as Hezbollah balks at disarmament plan Israel said it was “ready to support” Lebanon’s efforts to disarm the militant group by year's end. Lebanon