China presses Iran, US to reopen Hormuz as disruptions threaten oil supply Conflicts in the region are disrupting two key routes for oil bound for China, with Iranian crude affected by the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi shipments facing growing risks in the Red Sea. Iran
Explainer Why France is pushing to keep UNIFIL in Lebanon beyond 2026 Showing its support for Lebanon, Paris is backing Beirut’s request at the UN for a short-term extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, although French sources acknowledge that the chances of the request being approved are slim. Israel
Algeria pulls Sky News Arabia accreditation amid UAE rift: What to know Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, which owns Sky News Arabia through Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments, last Thursday. Algeria
Saudi Arabia says attempted Mecca drone attack ‘red line’ as Houthis deny claim The escalation between Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia comes as the Iranian-backed group reportedly met with US officials in Oman to discuss maritime security. Saudi Arabia
Exclusive Lacking deterrence, Israel’s security establishment opposes attacks on Houthis By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Gulf MBS visits Egypt as Houthi attacks escalate By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis How far will Iran push Houthis against Saudi Arabia amid raging conflict? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Why Saudi Arabia's balancing act with US, Iran, Houthis risks collapse By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US sanctions target production, transfer of Iranian drones to Russia The US Treasury Department targeted the Iranian manufacturer of the Shahed-series drones used in recent Russian attacks in Kyiv, Odesa and the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. Iran
Erdogan, Biden talk NATO enlargement, security at G20 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US leader Joe Biden held a rare meeting in the wake of the Turkish interior minister's accusations that Washington supports Kurdish militant groups. Turkey
Senior NATO official visits Israel as Ukraine war rages on Senior NATO officials find the time to visit Israel, strengthen relations and seek more venues for collaboration. Israel
Israel abstains on UN vote against Russia over Ukraine war The Kremlin and the White House are both waiting to see if Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu will shift Israel’s policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Israel
Infighting in Turkish-backed faction leads to tension in Syria's Afrin It seems Hayat Tahrir al-Sham lost a loyal faction after several currents with the Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sham factions isolated the movement’s current leadership and appointed their own leader. Syria
Turkey eyes risky energy partnership with Algeria Turkey’s plan for joint oil and gas exploration with Algeria raises the specter of operational and financial challenges for a country already under economic strain, experts say. Turkey
Iran sentences protester to death Iran’s judiciary sentenced a protester to death for setting fire to a government building. Iran
Saudi Public Investment Fund partners with BlackRock The US investment firm also signed a cooperation deal with the UAE earlier this year. Legacy: Gulf
US alarmed by death sentence, sham trials of protesters in Iran National security adviser Jake Sullivan warned of consequences if Iran's repression of peaceful protesters continues. Iran
Istanbul bomb attack could have repercussions in international arena Turkey lashes out at ‘insincerity’ of US condolences for an attack targeting a crowded street after claiming that the Syrian ‘branch’ of the PKK ordered it. Turkey
US, Russian spy chiefs meet in Turkey over Ukraine war CIA chief warns his Russian counterpart "on the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons" during face-to-face talks in Ankara. Turkey
Iranian carmaker Saipa prepares first export to Venezuela Cooperation between Iran and Venezuela now goes beyond oil. Iran