Slotkin, Van Hollen emerge as potential challengers to Schumer’s Senate leadership A growing number of Democrats are calling for new leadership in the Senate to replace Schumer, arguing that the party needs a leader who better reflects its generational and ideological shift to the left. United States
Massie introduces impeachment articles against Hegseth over Iran war House Democrats are on board with voting to impeach the Pentagon chief, but it's not clear how many Republicans will break with the White House's public messaging. United States
France blames Iran for supermarket fridge hack, seeks EU sanctions French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Monday blamed Iran for the October cyberattack that disabled refrigeration at supermarkets across France. Iran
Explainer Iraqi PM cancels Mosul airport contracts, citing Iran militia links: What to know Kataib Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc is questioning the sources of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s wealth after he moved to curb militia influence in the country. Iraq
Analysis Trump officials look past Netanyahu, push Eisenkot to form government quickly By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Emirati foreign minister visits Israel Celebrating two years since the normalization of diplomatic ties, Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met in Israel with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Israel
Israel’s Lapid soars in polls but has no camp behind him Recent polls show growing electoral support for Prime Minister Yair Lapid, even though parties within the center-left camp might chose to back his rival Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Israel
US releases some military aid to Egypt amid human rights concerns The administration is providing Egypt with $170 million in military assistance that Congress had made contingent on the country improving its rights record. Egypt
Small jihadist group in Idlib accuses HTS of defending Turkey Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib has recently arrested several members of Hizb ut-Tahrir, in what the group says is a crackdown against those criticizing HTS’ position on the Turkish plan to normalize relations with the Assad government. Syria
Analysis The Takeaway: US sees role for 'all parties' in inclusive Iraqi national dialogue US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jennifer Gavito says that "we’ll take our cues from Iraq" regarding government formation. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
US sanctions group of Iran-linked 'malicious' cyber actors The Justice Department announced charges against three Iranian nationals for their alleged role in a global computer hacking scheme. Iran
Turkey renews veto threat on Sweden, Finland NATO bids Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking a meeting with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week. Turkey
Turkey backs Azerbaijan in deadly attacks against Armenia While Turkey has prided itself for mediating between Russia and Ukraine, Ankara has shown no such impartiality in the recent fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with Turkish leaders airing their support for Baku. Turkey
Turkish intel chief pursues multiple goals in Baghdad In landmark talks in Baghdad, Hakan Fidan sought to ease bilateral tensions over a deadly attack in July, assert Turkey’s resolve to continue military operations on Iraqi soil and sway the political impasse in Iraq. Turkey
Iran says IAEA statement won’t produce results Iran has dismissed the IAEA statement about its nuclear program. Iran
Two Lebanese banks held up in one day as customers demand own funds Many Lebanese watchers praised the woman who held up the bank to get her own money as most Lebanese cannot access their funds due to systemic financial mismanagement and corruption. Lebanon
Analysis Democrats push Biden to restrict Egypt’s military aid over rights abuses Egypt’s annual military assistance is shaping up to be another test of the administration’s ability to balance human rights considerations with American strategic interests. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights