Trump calls Iran’s drone attack on cargo ship 'foolish violation' of ceasefire The US president stopped short of issuing new threats, but called Thursday's drone attack "foolish." By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
As US talks stall, Hezbollah chief defiant, says Israel to leave Lebanon ’humiliated' The speech comes as the Lebanese-Israeli talks appeared to reach a deadlock this week amid Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Lebanon
Iran attacks cargo ship off Oman, testing Trump’s Hormuz Strait deal The first Iranian attack on a cargo vessel since the ceasefire comes as top US diplomat Marco Rubio huddled with Gulf Cooperation Council ministers in Manama to reject Iran's claims to control the Strait of Hormuz. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Newsletter: Gulf The UAE’s India bet is getting bigger By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Palestinian Authority awaits Biden’s visit to region The Palestinian Authority has refrained from implementing the decision of the PLO to freeze its recognition of Israel ahead of US President Joe Biden’s visit to the region. Palestine
Gulf states’ oil wealth ripples throughout rural Sudan Across Africa, remittances-fueled economic development stands as an unrivaled alternative to the throes of unemployment and political instability. Legacy: Gulf
Iraqi prime minister: Iran-Saudi talks have made 'remarkable progress' In a press conference today, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi provided a report of his two years in the office, highlighting his top achievements and top challenges facing his government Iraq
US envoy urges funding for Yemen’s ‘ticking time bomb’ Envoy Tim Lenderking called on donor governments and the private sector to help prevent a dilapidated tanker in the Red Sea from spilling its cargo of oil. Yemen
Retirees join Iran protests over economic grievances The rallies were sparked by unprecedented rising prices across the food sector under President Ebrahim Raisi's economic policies. Iran
Gulf states blacklist terror financiers linked to Iran, Islamic State, Syrian regime Lead figures in the Assad regime’s Qatirji oil-smuggling network were among those sanctioned. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s Erdogan pins economic crisis on 2013 Gezi protests Turkey's president has added the economy to his list of casualties of the nationwide Gezi protests nine years ago. Turkey
Israeli coalition's fragility on display during volatile Knesset session The government of Naftali Bennett was not toppled yesterday, but its failure to pass a critical piece of legislation dealing with settlers does not bode well for its future. Israel
Ukraine complains of Israeli holdup on defensive gear Addressing the press today, Ukraine's ambassador to Israel complained that Israel refuses to greenlight the transfer of sophisticated anti-tank systems from Germany despite US approval. Israel
Israel warns nationals against possible Iranian attacks in Turkey, Thailand Jerusalem tries distancing itself publicly from a series of strange deaths in Iran, while warning Israeli tourists in Turkey and in Thailand that Tehran could be targeting them. Israel
Ukraine, Syria top Lavrov's agenda in Turkey Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Ankara on June 8. Russia
Turkey’s independent journalists stand against so-called disinformation bill The new bill in parliament aims to bring further restrictions on freedom of expression online and on social media as elections approach, experts say. Turkey