3 buses explode near Tel Aviv in suspected ‘terror attack’: What to know

Israel’s defense minister said they would boost operations in the West Bank in response to the explosions.

Israel

After losses in Khartoum, Sudan’s RSF to sign parallel government charter

Sudan has condemned Kenya for hosting a meeting led by the rebels, and the UN is warning the move could further divide the war-torn country.

Sudan

Israeli officials urge Trump to fill vacuum left by Iran

Sensing opportunity, Israeli strategists are asking the United States to redouble its engagement in the Middle East to capitalize on Hezbollah's collapse in Syria and Lebanon – and to end Iran's nuclear program once and for all.

Iran

US launches second B-52 bomber flight over Middle East in 2 days

Strategic bomber sorties come as the Donald Trump administration says it prefers to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment through diplomatic negotiations rather than military action.

By Jared Szuba

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

Iraqi Kurds lend hand as PKK leader negotiates plan for peace with Turkey

Abdullah Ocalan is expected to urge his men to lay down their arms and end a more than 40-year insurgency against the Turkish state, capping talks launched in April last year between the rebel leader, PKK commanders and the Turkish government.

Turkey

Iranian officials trade blame as energy crisis, outages worsen: What to know

Unplanned power outages across Tehran in February have brought Iran’s energy crisis back into the spotlight, particularly as the country grapples with the strain of the maximum pressure sanctions campaign placed upon it by the United States.

Iran

Syria arrests Hezbollah-linked smugglers in Damascus: What to know

A crackdown on smuggling operations between Lebanon and Syria has intensified since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

Turkey slaps travel ban on 2 businessmen for criticizing dissident crackdown

Two business leaders from the country’s largest industrialist group were banned from traveling internationally after a speech by the Turkish president criticizing the organization.

Turkey

Opponents of Syria’s new government meet in Geneva, criticize Sharaa: What we know

The meeting was organized by longtime activist Haytham Manna and comes amid opposition to the interim government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Syria

Iran's IRGC dismantles alleged spy network linked to Israel, US: What to know

The announcement comes as Iran and Israel are exchanging threats over the former’s nuclear program.

Iran

Analysis

Sudan, Russia reach 'understanding' on naval base but hurdles remain

A naval base deal that has been more than five years in the making has gained renewed attention after statements from Sudan’s foreign minister while in Moscow.

By Rosaleen Carroll

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

Netanyahu taps confidant to lead Gaza negotiations, replacing Mossad chief: What we know

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removed Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar from the negotiating team, replacing them with loyalist Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is seen as having a direct line to the White House.

Israel