Analysis Fears in Lebanon that US-Iran deal boosts Hezbollah without restraining Israel The deal that ended the war between the United States and Iran has left Hezbollah feeling empowered, which could mark a setback for the Lebanese government’s efforts to disarm the group and move forward with its talks with Israel. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Newsletter: Gulf Gulf defense giants head to Europe As Gulf states recalibrate after months of conflict with Iran, defense priorities are shifting from emergency procurement to long-term industrial partnerships. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Feature Trump’s Iran deal sidesteps fate of detained Americans The White House declined to say whether the release of the six Americans would be included in a final deal. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump touts Iran deal as Hegseth warns Tehran Iran stands to gain from deal; 3 Iranian tankers pass US blockade; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: China-Middle East How China benefits from Trump's Iran deal By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Senate bill adds restrictions on US effort to train Lebanon army: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US working with Saudi Arabia on strategic military plans, general says The Biden administration is leveraging the Pentagon to quietly rebuild trust with Riyadh in the wake of a very public dispute. Legacy: Gulf
Bars toast holiday season in Lebanon Lebanon's beleaguered food and beverage sector is hoping for relief from holiday travelers. Lebanon
Iran says patience running thin with Zelenskyy's accusations over Ukraine war Iran and Ukraine appeared to be entering a new phase in their war of words, triggered by evidence of Tehran's shipment of deadly combat drones to Moscow. Iran
Iraqi PM orders 'unconventional methods' to stop Islamic State attacks The killing of soldiers and civilians in multiple IS attacks in two governorates has prompted calls for a change in tactics. Iraq
Turkey calls for more action, not words, from Sweden Turkey's foreign minister has told his Swedish counterpart that while Ankara welcomes the steps Sweden has taken to get Turkey’s nod for NATO membership, they are not even “halfway” toward fulfilling Stockholm's commitments. Turkey
Israeli leaders take credit for blocking Iran nuclear deal Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took credit for the current deadlock in talks between Iran and world powers. Israel
Iran's Quds Force leader criticizes women without hijabs Speaking about the protests in Iran for the first time, Esmail Qaani said that 'honorable women' wear headscarves. Iran
Minutes before deadline, Netanyahu says he assembled government The announcement came despite the fact that not all coalition deals were indeed finalized. Israel
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticizes Iran’s support for Russia during Congress speech Iran has been accused of sending drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war. Iran
Breaking | Last Updated: December 21, 2022, 6:31 pm US targets Iran's prosecutor general, military officials with new sanctions The US Treasury Department also designated a company manufacturing riot gear for Iran's law enforcement. Iran
Turkey's media board fines TV chains for Imamoglu coverage Three channels were given harsh penalties for criticizing the Istanbul mayor's prison sentence and politics ban and for questioning Erdogan’s economic policies. Turkey
Iranian, Saudi FMs meet in Jordan after months of stalled dialogue The Iranian-Saudi dialogue stalled earlier this year amid the protests in Iran and political tensions in Iraq. Iran