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
Turkish-backed Syrian group cuts off water to Hasakah Hasakah residents in northeast Syria have relied on buying water from private suppliers as their underground wells have dried up, while the Turkish-backed factions suspended pumping operations from the only water station supplying the city. Syria
Analysis US should balance response to OPEC+ oil cuts with other needs Yet again, Iran lurks in background. By Week in Review
Settlers blame Israeli defense minister for growing West Bank insecurity Defense Minister Benny Gantz is caught between his efforts to establish good relations with the Palestinian leadership, and the wrath of the settlers following insecurity escalation. Israel
After collapse of Lebanon maritime deal, Israel fears Hezbollah attack Pressured by opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, and concerned over Hezbollah attacking, Prime Minister Yair Lapid announced Israel will not negotiate its maritime border with Lebanon under threats. Israel
Rare clashes erupt between jihadist group, Turkey-backed faction in Syria's Idlib Clashes erupted between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Faylaq al-Sham, affiliated with the Turkish-backed FSA, due to differences over the alleged opening of a commercial crossing with the Syrian government-held areas in the eastern Idlib countryside. Syria
US military kills three senior Islamic State leaders in Syria strikes US strikes knocked off the jihadist group's second-highest Syrian commander and a smuggler believed to have helped kidnap and behead Kurdish officials. Syria
Analysis Democrats tear into Saudi Arabia over OPEC+ cut The State Department on Thursday dismissed calls from some Democrats to withdraw US troops and missile systems from Saudi Arabia. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Yemenis tremble as cease-fire extension fails With the truce expired in Yemen, a return to full-blown war has horrified humanitarian organizations and Yemeni civilians alike. Legacy: Gulf
Teen deaths mark new episode in Iran's crackdown on protests While the case of Mahsa Amini's death in custody is still far from being settled, Iranian officials have been embroiled by one report after another on the killing of teenage protesters. Iran
Turkey taps career diplomat as new ambassador to Israel Turkey has named a veteran career diplomat as the new Turkish ambassador to Israel — a move that also reflects Ankara’s sensitivities to the Palestinian cause. Turkey
Turkish, Armenian, Azeri leaders hold landmark talks Informal talks among Turkish, Armenian and Azeri leaders mark the first of their kind. Turkey
Turkey's energy deal in Libya fans regional rivalries Turkey is likely to face stronger headwinds in the eastern Mediterranean after signing a controversial energy exploration deal with Libya’s interim government. Turkey