Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu President Donald Trump has stayed silent amid a spate of settler attacks on Palestinians and their property in the West Bank. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Houthi escalation in western Yemen kills 13 government forces: What to know At least 13 government troops were killed as Houthi forces launched a broad offensive across western Yemen. Yemen
Why Ali al-Taher ridge is emerging as an Israel-Hezbollah flashpoint Israel has intensified its strikes and ground operations around the strategic hill in a bid to force Hezbollah out. Lebanon
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
Pentagon slashes budget request for Iraq counter-ISIS funds: What to know A more than 40% reduction in funding for Iraqi security forces comes as the Defense Department continues to pivot to bilateral ties with Baghdad's institutions. Iraq
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