Israel, Morocco agree to exchange ambassadors, open embassies The move will mark the first time Morocco and Israel have exchanged ambassadors. Morocco
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
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
Turkey’s LGBTQ community alarmed over Erdogan’s ‘family’ vision Rights activists in Turkey fear a rise in homophobic discrimination and hate crimes as Erdogan vocally stigmatizes the LGBTQ community. Turkey
Israel, Lebanon ink maritime border deal Delegations from Israel, Lebanon, the United States, the United Nations and France gathered in Naqoura, Lebanon, to make the agreement on the Israeli-Lebanese maritime border official. Israel
Turkey’s Central Bank raises inflation forecast yet again Turkey's central bank governor has raised the inflation estimate for the fourth time in a year as prices hit a 24-year high. Turkey
In rare visit to Egypt, Israel’s Lapid to attend COP27 climate summit The COP27 in Egypt will be launched a week after the general elections in Israel, but Prime Minister Yair Lapid intends to participate in the conference whatever the outcome of the vote. Israel
Iran film festival faces membership suspension and withdrawals amid unrest The Tehran International Short Film Festival’s credibility hangs in the balance after the international Short Film Conference found its board supportive of “disgraceful government actions” during the Iran uprisings and suspended its membership in response. Iran
Israel expands military operations in West Bank ahead of elections Israeli forces kill five Palestinians in attack on Lion's Den complex in Nablus. Palestine
British-American detainee Tahbaz returned to Iran's Evin Prison Morad Tahbaz, who also holds Iranian citizenship, was released on a temporary furlough in July. Iran
Analysis The Takeaway: US weighs options amid Iran’s protest crackdown The Biden administration has rolled out new sanctions on Iranian officials linked to the widening crackdown on protesters, but is facing pressure to do more from activists who want the regime toppled. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Iran denies its drones are being used in Ukraine war Iran's foreign minister warned Europe against taking an "unconstructive" path with further sanctions. Iran
Siege tightens around Turkey’s critical newsrooms ahead of election Government opponents fear Ankara will use all of its means to stifle unfavorable news and public debate ahead of crucial elections next year. Turkey
Qatar scraps COVID testing ahead of World Cup Many of the region's pandemic restrictions are ending and the United Arab Emirates also recently removed its longstanding mask mandate. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey detains head of medical association on terror charges Sebnem Korur Fincanci was detained for allegedly disseminating "terrorist propaganda" a day after a political ally of the government demanded her Turkish citizenship be revoked and the Turkish Medical Association be closed down. Turkey