Ex-Iraqi MP Ahmed Alwani found dead in Lebanon: What to know Ahmed al-Alwani was a prominent leader of anti-government protests by Iraqi Sunnis in 2013, and was released from prison last year. Iraq
Iran unveils new underground 'missile city': What to know Iran has moved much of its missile stockpile underground as the threat of a new war looms. Iran
Turkey bars MP’s wife from travel after his fund scandal criticism: What to know Opposition politicians and rights advocates described Yonca Verdioglu Sik’s brief detention as an attempt to intimidate her husband, opposition lawmaker Ahmet Sik, over his criticism of the government. Turkey
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' By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iran’s NSC meets with lawmakers over nuclear deal Iranian media is accusing Western media of playing the blame game in the final days of the nuclear talks. Iran
Analysis The Takeaway: Ukraine war looms over Iran nuclear talks, energy markets More on the Ukraine War from Israel, Russia, Lebanon and Gaza; Nile Dam crisis escalates … all in less than 1,100 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Lebanese fear wheat shortage amid Ukrainian crisis Amid the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, concerns are growing in Lebanon over a shortage of wheat supplies, as the country imports the bulk of its wheat needs from Ukraine. Lebanon
Turkey drops mask rules as it heads for normality ahead of tourist season Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announces a return to normal life after two years of COVID-19 measures, but medical association warns it may be too early. Turkey
Analysis Israel celebrates rescue of Jewish orphans from Ukraine Hailing the operation to rescue 100 orphans in Ukraine, Israeli leaders vow to continue sending humanitarian assistance. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Syrian opposition backs Ukraine in stand against Russian army Jihadis in Syria want to exploit the Syrian regime’s preoccupation with Russia’s war on Ukraine to open new fronts, while the Syrian opposition cheers for Ukraine. Syria
UAE sends aid to Ukraine The aid is a departure for the Emirates, which has remained neutral on the Russia-Ukraine conflict so far in a reflection of improving UAE-Russia ties. United Arab Emirates
Sudan, Ethiopia negotiate over border conflict Bilateral talks are ongoing between Ethiopia and Sudan aimed at resuming negotiations to solve the border dispute between the two countries and the GERD crisis. Egypt
Egypt avoids direct condemnation of Russia over Ukraine Egypt called for diplomacy to solve the Ukrainian crisis, avoiding taking any sides in order not to harm its ties with Russia, the United States or NATO. Egypt
With world attention on Ukraine, Nile dam conflict escalates Egypt and Sudan have condemned Ethiopia's decision to partially start electricity production via the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
Family ties fuel Islamic State to rebel pipeline in northern Syria The stories of fighters who turned from the Islamic State to Syria's rebel opposition forces show the how kinship ties, regionalism, and material concerns often trump ideology in the Syrian war. Syria
Iran's supreme leader blames US for Russia war on Ukraine Iran's supreme leader said the United States was the "root cause" of the Ukraine war as he refrained from condemning Russia for the invasion. Iran