Turkey's Erdogan to run for 'final' third term in 2028, adviser says If Turkey's parliament votes to move the next election up during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s second term, he could constitutionally run for third. Turkey
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
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
Israel's Arab voters unimpressed with Lapid’s UN speech on two-state solution In his address to the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Yair Lapid also addressed Israeli Arab citizens, boasting that his coalition included an Arab party and that his government included Arab ministers. Israel
Mounting deaths in Iran protests as internet blackout drags on As protests entered a 12th day, the government's deadly crackdown under severe internet disruptions appeared to have failed to soothe the boiling anger. Iran
Turkish celebrities, including jailed Kurdish politician, cut hair for Mahsa Amini Women activists, celebrities and jailed Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas cut their hair in solidarity with Mahsa Amini, the Iranian Kurdish woman who died in detention by Iran’s morality police. Turkey
Egypt warns of stalemate in Nile dam dispute Egypt called for the resumption of negotiations over the disputed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as soon as possible, and warned against the stalemate in the talks. Egypt
Are Turkish drones complicating disputes in Central Asia? Kyrgyzstan’s use of Turkish drones in a border dispute with Tajikistan leaves Turkey in a tight spot on how to balance its ties in Central Asia, a region where it has long sought to expand its influence. Turkey
Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker collects awards in prison When Jafar Panahi’s "No Bears" won a prize at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, cast members had to accept it on his behalf, as the dissident Iranian director has been behind bars in Tehran since July. Iran
Third alliance enters the fray ahead of Turkish elections The leftist Labor and Freedom Alliance pledges to undo injustice but could risk a split in the opposition vote. Turkey
Turkey protests US, Greece over ‘violating non-military status’ of Aegean Greek islands Eastern Mediterranean conflict is steadily turning into a fresh strain in already-troubled US-Turkey ties, as Erdogan lashes out at Washington and Athens over the military buildup in the Dodecanese islands. Turkey
Iran says it will prosecute those who encourage protests In an attempt to quell widespread protests, Iran is now warning that those who encourage protests will be held liable. Iran
Iraqi parliament speaker resigns Iraqi parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi resigned from his post but is expected to be re-elected. Iraq
UN envoy welcomes climate spotlight on Egypt, Africa "Africa is bringing solutions," said Mahmoud Mohieldin, the UN Climate Change High Level Champion for Egypt, in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Egypt
Israel keeps flights coming as Jews flee Russia In fear of conscription, Russian Jews are fleeing the country for Israel. Israel