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
Israel resorts to besieging West Bank cities as tensions mount Israel is implementing a policy of besieging the West Bank cities and towns, as resistance operations are increasing and expanding across the West Bank. Palestine
US dismisses Turkish criticism of imbalance in Mediterranean The US ambassador to Turkey stated that America is focusing on the Russian invasion of Ukraine amid simmering tensions between Turkey and Greece. Turkey
Israeli Knesset member waves gun in east Jerusalem Ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir is exploiting an incident in which he brandished a gun in the east Jerusalem Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood ahead of the Nov. 1 elections. Israel
Turkish mine disaster sends blame flying In the wake of an explosion that killed 41 miners, several Turkish bodies are trading blame for safety failures in the coal industry. Turkey
Iran to 'reciprocate' new EU sanctions amid continued unrest EU sanctions over Iran's clampdown on dissent unsettled Iranian authorities, which are grappling with one of the biggest domestic challenges they have faced since the 1979 revolution. Iran
New Iraqi president takes office, government expected next week Iraq's new president commenced his duties, and the designated prime minister will form his Cabinet next week. Iraq
Ukrainian breakaway region sends delegation to Syria Syria, which has a history of supporting pro-Russia breakaway regions, recognized Donetsk and Luhansk earlier this year. Syria
Fire at Iranian prison renews pressure for US prisoner release Efforts to free Siamak Namazi and Emad Shargi have taken on greater urgency following a deadly fire that erupted at their detention center. Iran
Israel braces for election interference from Russia, elsewhere With diplomatic ties deteriorating, Israel fears that Russian or other hackers could try tampering with the Nov. 1 election results. Israel
Is Turkey using HTS to strengthen its hand in Syria? Amid Ankara’s overtures to Damascus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — the radical group controlling Idlib — has seized Afrin and is seeking a deal to expand its control further into territories held by factions allied with Turkey. Turkey
US-Saudi military ties remain on course despite OPEC dispute The White House is signaling it could hold up further arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but so far the rare public dispute has not impacted direct military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. Legacy: Gulf