US strategy document names Iran 'chief' destabilizer, calls Syria 'potential problem'

The document frames US engagement as shifting away from energy and conflict and toward broader economic and defense partnerships.

United States

Newsletter: Turkey

The riskiest phase

Turkey’s Kurdish peace process is entering a critical juncture, with Ankara, imprisoned leader of outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) Abdullah Ocalan and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party all dug in as the pressure mounts.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know

China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long?

The US blocked Israel from widening its strikes on Hezbollah this week, yet another flare-up in their enduring conflict seems likely despite first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.

By Ben Caspit

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

Ankara: Jailed PKK chief favors unitary Syria, no separate Kurdish defense force

The militant leader called for “police-like” security units in Syrian Democratic Forces areas during his landmark meeting with a Turkish parliamentary delegation, according to a transcript summary.

Turkey

Lebanon, Israel to hold second round of direct talks: What we know

While Israel and Lebanon continue talks, Israeli airstrikes have persisted, and Hezbollah shows no sign of complying with disarmament requirements.

Lebanon

Yemen's STC separatists advance in Hadramout as UAE-Saudi rift grows

The fighting between the UAE-backed southern separatists and Saudi-aligned tribal forces, nominal allies against the Houthis, has raised concerns about the division of Yemen.

Yemen

Who is Simon Karam, head of Lebanon’s delegation to talks with Israel?

Karam is a veteran diplomat and a legal scholar who served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States from 1992 to 1993.

Lebanon

US pressure prompted Israel-Lebanon talks to avert war with Hezbollah

According to an Israeli security source, US envoy Morgan Ortagus’ visit was perceived in Israel as a warning that President Donald Trump will not accept Israel launching a large military campaign in southern Lebanon.

Israel

Lebanon and Israel hold first direct talks in decades: What to know

Lebanon and Israel sent civilian representatives to the latest US-led meeting of the committee overseeing the ceasefire, aiming to break the stalemate between the two countries as Israel intensifies its attacks on Lebanon over its delay in disarming Hezbollah.

Lebanon

Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know

Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted.

Iran

Turkey defense firms break record with $10B in revenues: SIPRI

Turkey set a new record with five companies in the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Top 100 for 2024, which included nine Middle Eastern countries for the first time amid conflict-driven arms demand.

Turkey