On eighth visit, Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to repair ties with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran in his Tuesday meeting with President Donald Trump, while the US leader is more likely to want to discuss Lebanon and Syria. United States
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says it doesn’t seek to resume negotiations with Washington Sharaa says Syria seeks security deal with Israel; Red Sea shipping slows after Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Syria arrivals surge 111% as government bets on tourism revival The country welcomed 3.52 million visitors during the first half of 2026, more than double the figure recorded a year earlier, as the government pushes to reconnect to the world and promote tourism as a pillar of economic recovery. Syria
Syria seizes arms shipment on Iraq border destined for Hezbollah The operation comes as part of the Syrian authorities' efforts to curb illicit arms smuggling through its territory, namely intended for Hezbollah. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Kremlin confirms S-400 talks with Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
First confirmed COVID-19 case detected in northwest Syria The first case of the coronavirus in Idlib follows a veto at the UN Security Council today of a resolution that would have allowed aid to reach the embattled area via Turkey. Syria
Intel: US CENTCOM commander meets with head of Syria’s Kurdish forces The head of Syria’s Kurdish-led militias said he met today with the top commander of US forces in the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, in northeast Syria. Syria
UN report blames civilian deaths in northwest Syria on government and rebel groups The report by the United Nations' Syria commission details numerous possible war crimes in recent months by both pro-government forces and the rebel group HTS. Syria
Russia, China veto UN vote to extend aid to Syria’s opposition-held northwest Russia previously made clear its intent to veto the proposal, despite last-minute hopes the Kremlin might abstain. Syria
Hopes that Russia will drop objections to UN humanitarian aid routes to Syria begin to rise With only hours left for the UN Security Council to announce the outcome of a vote on a draft resolution extending the mandate for critical aid routes to Syria, hopes are rising that Moscow won't stand in the way. Syria
Humanitarian aid to Syria meets Russian resistance at the UN Security Council Russia isn't budging from its resistance to deny crucial humanitarian aid to northwest Syria. Syria
Italian police confiscate $1 billion worth of ‘Islamic State-made’ drugs The 84 million Captagon tablets were stashed inside three containers investigators discovered at the Salerno port. Syria
Intel: Iran, Russia, Turkey discuss stabilizing Syria in virtual summit The presidents of Turkey, Iran and Russia held a virtual summit to discuss the latest developments in Syria today. Syria
Intel: Congress urges UN to reopen humanitarian aid crossings into Syria A bipartisan group of US lawmakers urged the United Nations to reopen a key border crossing into Syria, which Russia shut down in January using its veto power at the Security Council. Syria
Northwest Syria holds breath for decision on cross-border aid Syrians in Idlib fear aid cuts as much as new battles as their living conditions worsen. Syria
How Caesar Act could hurt Lebanon's Tripoli With residents of Tripoli already suffering shortages under Lebanon’s mounting system-wide collapse, the US Caesar Act promises to both hinder investment in Tripoli and increase cross-border smuggling. Lebanon
US troops 'secure' northeast Syria oil, as contamination from it imperils lives Dilapidated pipelines and oil waste coat polluted rivers and streams in Kurdish-run northeast Syria. Syria
