GCC to build military command center in Kuwait as region simmers: What to know GCC countries have stepped up their joint defense efforts with the announcement of a new forward command center to be headquartered in Kuwait, as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate. Saudi Arabia
Hegseth strikes defiant tone, calls House impeachment process 'farce' Pentagon's top official called Rep. Thomas Massie's charges a 'farce,' arguing other defense secretaries trespassed on the War Powers Act without being impeached. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer From Oct. 7 inquiry to blocking Netanyahu: Eisenkot's bloc maps out Knesset agenda Israel's opposition to advance anti-Netanyahu government measures as soon as Knesset convenes Tuesday, without waiting for a new cabinet to take shape. Israel
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
Reed’s release from Russia raises optimism for Iran-US exchange Following the release of Marine veteran Trevor Reed from Russia, Americans with family members wrongfully detained by Iran are ramping up their pressure on the Biden administration to cut a deal with Tehran. Iran
Analysis The Takeaway: Russia-Ukraine war spills over into Nile Dam dispute Israel reveals IRGC plots; Hamas looks to capitalize on Jerusalem violence; Iraq steps up desert drug busts; Iraq builds a wall with Turkey; migrant boat tragedy fuels anger in Lebanon; and more. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Saudi authorities bust 45 tons of smuggled khat Use of the plant is widespread in Saudi Arabia, where a major drug war is taking place. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan unveils plans to send 1 million Syrians back as anti-refugee sentiment escalates As anti-refugee sentiment rises higher in Turkey during the Eid, Erdogan pledges a build-and-return project enabling more than a million Syrians to return “voluntarily” to northern Syria. Turkey
Yazidi militia says Iraqi army attacks linked to Turkey’s anti-PKK campaign The Iraqi army is seeking to dislodge Yazidi fighters from Sinjar who Turkey says are members of the PKK. Thousands of Yazidi civilians are fleeing the area as clashes escalate. Iraq
Iran engages neighbors as nuclear talks falter As Iran and Saudi Arabia work to resolve disputes, Iran's president spoke with the Kuwait emir and expressed his desire for a return to "previous friendly relations.” Iran
Muslim party may resume membership in Israeli coalition Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas' coordination with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett about his visit last week to Jordan and his meeting with King Abdullah might signal that he is willing to end his party’s suspension of activity in the coalition. Israel
Israel lays groundwork for Biden visit President Joe Biden is expected to arrive in Israel in late June. Israel
Hamas fears warming in Turkey-Israel ties Turkey has asked some Hamas members to leave Turkey and prevented others from entering the country. Palestine
Iraqi Kurdistan hit by multiple missile attacks as threats rise Attacks have increased against the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in recent months, targeting energy infrastructure while warning against continuing collaboration with Turkey. Iraq
Pentagon: Iran-backed militias, PKK coordinated vs. Turkish troops in Iraq Turkey’s targeting of veteran PKK cadres in Iraq has pushed the Kurdish guerrillas to collaborate with an unlikely partner, a new Pentagon report suggests. Iraq
Iran denies impasse in nuclear deal diplomacy Even as a break from Vienna talks over the revival of the Iran nuclear deal continues to linger, Tehran said communication was still in progress with the American side. Iran