Analysis Why Iran's generals are intensifying anti-US rhetoric amid negotiations Leading figures within Iran's military and security establishment have framed the memorandum with Washington not as an end point but as a conditional arrangement tied to battlefield realities. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Turkey detains 233 ahead of NATO summit, including LGBTQ+ activist Yildiz Tar The operation included alleged militant suspects as well as LGBTQ+ and leftist activists, raising concerns over the scope of the crackdown. Turkey
Iran's Ghalibaf holds talks in Oman on Strait of Hormuz: What to know The US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed last week calls for Iran and Oman to hold talks on the future administration of the strait. Iran
Iraq taps Krikor Der-Hagopian as first Armenian Christian ambassador to US Baghdad’s pick of a US-educated Armenian Christian adviser as envoy to Washington underscores a bid to reset US-Iraq ties and broaden the country’s diplomatic profile. Iraq
Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says nuclear negotiations have not started yet By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US calls on Yemen's Houthis to release embassy staff US Special Envoy Yemen Tim Lenderking said the rebels' detention of US and UN staff "sends an extremely negative signal." Yemen
Erdogan hopes Putin summit will greenlight Turkey's new Syria operation Ankara’s central role in facilitating the Russia-Ukraine grain deal could strengthen its hand in securing Moscow’s acceptance of a Turkish military incursion. Turkey
After years of hostility, Turkey forges ties with eastern Libya Turkey’s hosting of the head of Libya’s eastern-based parliament sets a meaningful landmark in its bid to reshape its Libya policy. Turkey
Iranian influence turns PKK-weakened Kurdistan into regional battleground Vehicles allegedly carrying Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) commanders continue to be targeted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq amid claims Iran controls both the PKK and Shiite-led forces in oil-rich and disputed Kirkuk. Iraq
Israel sends armed drones over border to curb Islamic Jihad threat The escalation comes after the IDF arrested one of their senior leaders in the West Bank. Israel
Iranian negotiators in Vienna as questions remain over IRGC delisting The removal of the Revolutionary Guards from the US list of foreign terrorist organizations continues to play a central role in the debates surrounding the revival of the Iran nuclear deal. Iran
Netanyahu slams Lapid over Israeli inflation spike Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu believes the high cost of living is where he can turn Israeli citizens against Prime Minister Yair Lapid and his government. Israel
Analysis The Takeaway: Yemen’s truce renewed but permanent peace elusive Strains in Israel-Russia ties; psychological toll of Israeli warplanes over Lebanon; Gulf expands ESG investment; Tunisia’s water shortage and Erdogan's diplomatic star turn on Black Sea grain initiative. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Iraqi government initiates dialogue to end national crisis Iraqi and international leaders are responding positively to the prime minister's call fior national dialogue among the various political parties. Iraq
Taliban on edge after US kills al-Qaeda chief in upscale Kabul neighborhood The US and the Taliban traded accusations of violating a key 2020 accord after Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed by a US drone attack in a part of the Afghan capital long known for its ostentatious villas. Iraq
Israel expands West Bank security fence as violence escalates in Jenin Following the wave of violence in March and April, Israeli security authorities are working on the unfinished security wall in the north of the West Bank. Israel
Negotiators head to Vienna for Iran nuclear talks An Iranian lawmaker says recent proposals have grown closer to Iran’s positions. Iran