Pope Leo decries 'special interests' and MidEast wars, calls Gaza 'inhumane'

The pontiff described the situation in Gaza as “tragic and inhumane,” saying that international law is being cast aside in favor of force.

Palestine

In first speech after war, Khamenei strikes defiant tone against US, Israel

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Iran would not "surrender" to the US and made a number of claims about the damage inflicted on Israel and the US base in Qatar.

Iran

Pentagon reveals new details about strike on Iran’s Fordow: What to know

Top defense official says "no one" is on the ground at Fordow to assess the damage, as the Trump administration tries to dispel doubts about the effectiveness of the US bombing raid designed to knock out Iran’s main enrichment facility.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

As it presses for F-35 jets, Turkey prioritizes air defense for NATO’s 5% spending target

As Turkey prioritizes boosting its air defense system to meet NATO’s new spending target, the president has revived Ankara’s push to buy fighter jets.

Turkey

Why Netanyahu accepted Trump’s ceasefire deal with Iran

In accepting the US-brokered ceasefire with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likely weighed operational factors and American pressure alongside significant domestic political considerations.

Israel

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Iran's Khamenei declares victory in first post-war statement

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Iran defense chief visits China, first trip after war with Israel: What to know

While Iran and China maintain a deepening military and economic partnership, Beijing offered only rhetorical support during Iran’s 12-day war with Israel.

China

Trump says US to meet Iran 'next week' amid strike damage doubts

The US president also doubled down on his claim that the US attack on Iran destroyed the country's nuclear program.

Iran

Analysis

Israel hopes for 3 'years of quiet’ under Trump even as Iran nuclear damage estimates vary

Conflicting US and Israeli assessments are casting doubt on whether Iran's nuclear sites were damaged or largely destroyed.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Abbas sends letter to Trump, offers to work on Israeli-Palestinian deal

In the letter, Abbas showered Trump with praise, saying the US president "can achieve what seemed impossible: a recognized, free, sovereign, and secure Palestine; a recognized and secure Israel."

Palestine

Analysis

As parliament votes to suspend IAEA cooperation, can Iran afford to abandon NPT?

Following a fragile ceasefire, Iran-US nuclear negotiations could be back on the table — or as many fear, Iran could decide to exit the NPT.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Trump, Erdogan hold first meeting at NATO as ties warm: What to know

The first meeting between the two leaders since Trump's return to office focused on the Iran-Israel ceasefire, the Ukraine war and bilateral ties. 

Turkey