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
Iranian IRGC commander killed during fighting with protesters The incident occurred in the Sistan and Baluchistan province, which was the site of a violent crackdown against protesters last year. Iran
Baghdad prepares for Tishreen protest amid political deadlock Tishreen movement, supported by Sadrists, plan to march tomorrow in Baghdad on the anniversary of the sweeping protests of 2019. Iraq
Iran vows to strike back if US destroys more of its drones over Iraq Iran has vowed to respond to any “hostile actions” after an Iranian drone was reportedly shot down en route to Erbil. Iran
Turkish opposition revives questions over Islamic State burning execution Almost six years on, Turkey’s public remains in the dark on the burning execution of two compatriots in Syria. Turkey
Israel-US tensions grow over West Bank escalation With elections just a month out and despite American warnings, Prime Minister Yair Lapid is sticking with his hawkish line on West Bank security escalation. Israel
Israeli army could use armed drones for targeted killings in West Bank If the IDF does not manage soon to thwart the current wave of violence in the West Bank, it could opt for targeted killings of terrorists using armed drones. Israel
Analysis Will Iran's shift on IAEA help break deadlock in nuclear talks? Iranian protesters shift tactics in response to government crackdown. By Week in Review
Al-Bab residents demand houses back from Turkish-backed forces in Syria Demonstrations were organized against the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army in the city of al-Bab, during which protesters demanded that the factions return their houses and farms that had been seized after the FSA took control of the city in 2017. Syria
Israel threatens Gaza amid West Bank escalation Israel threatened to target Hamas and its leaders in the Gaza Strip over the movement’s role in inciting young Palestinians to attack Israel in the West Bank and forming and funding military cells. Palestine
Civil disobedience grows as Iran continues to crush protests Working around the state's internet crackdown, Iranians were resorting to strikes, as women walked without hijabs in public in defiance of the hard-line establishment. Iran
Turkey pledges to boost military presence in Cyprus President Erdogan and Foreign Minister Cavusoglu say Turkey will send more troops and arms to northern Cyprus after the Biden administration lifts defense trade restrictions to Greek Cypriots. Turkey
US confirms American citizen killed in Iranian rocket attack in Iraq Omar Mahmoudzadeh's family confirmed to Al-Monitor that he died in an Iranian strike Thursday in the Iraqi-Kurdish town of Koya. Iraq