Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks A tentative diplomatic opening with Iran emerges as the US sustains its pressure campaign. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkey, Armenia agree to restore medieval bridge in normalization push Ankara is pursuing normalization with Armenia ahead of June parliamentary elections in a thaw also positioned to advance its broader Middle Corridor ambitions. Turkey
Turkey hosts Kuwaiti FM as UAE's OAPEC exit fuels Gulf rift Kuwait's top diplomat visited Turkey as the Gulf rift deepens following the UAE’s exit from OPEC and its affiliated alliances, forcing Ankara to balance ties between Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Turkey
Analysis Iraq’s Zaidi offers economic promise for Turkey but unknowns loom Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is expected to sustain growing economic and strategic ties with Turkey thanks to his business-oriented approach, though uncertainty over his political stance could test cooperation on sensitive issues. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul “Form-Craft-Activism” spotlights the labor behind making By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Turkish government banks on Gulf financial support to save economy As crucial elections near, Ankara pins hope on financial support from “friendly” countries to ease its foreign currency shortfall and rein in inflation. Turkey
Killing of dog enflames Turkish animal lovers on issue that divides society Video of animal shelter worker beating a dog to death leads to protests and questions over treatment of stray animals. Turkey
Could Syrian Kurdish issue facilitate Erdogan-Assad rapprochement? Damascus’ low-key reaction to Turkey’s recent strikes on Syrian Kurdish targets suggests it might acquiesce to Turkish military moves that would contribute to ending the US military presence in the north. Turkey
Syrian Kurdish commander slams US response to Turkish attacks as US diplomats evacuated from Syria The United States' top ally in Syria warned that unless Washington and the Kremlin push back more firmly Turkey will launch a ground offensive against his forces that will further undermine the battle against the Islamic State. Syria
Turkish fact-checkers shine light on misinformation as crucial elections approach Teyit has been working for six years to interpret sometimes wild claims made in news media and online. Turkey
Top Turkish, Swedish, Finnish diplomats to talk NATO enlargement Turkey, Sweden and Finland will hold a new round of talks for the Nordic accession to NATO, but Ankara appears to be waiting for more from the Nordic states. Turkey
Erdogan-Sisi handshake sparks backlash from Turkey's Islamists President Erdogan’s about-face on Egypt sparked backlash from some Turkish Islamists ahead of critical June elections. Turkey
US again tries to thwart Turkish invasion of northern Syria Erdogan says military operations are "just beginning" against Syrian Kurdish groups, while teasing possibility of talks with Assad. Turkey
Culture Artists from Middle East stand out in women-dominated Venice Biennale This year’s edition of the world’s longest-running art show corrects a history of gender inequality by putting female artists at its center. Turkey
Erdogan says meeting with Syria's Assad is 'possible' The Turkish president adds that "there is no resentment or bitterness in politics." Turkey
Turkey’s strikes in Syria put US troops in danger, Pentagon says A Turkish drone strike on a top Kurdish commander’s headquarters came within 130 meters of US troops in Syria on Tuesday. Turkey
Analysis The Takeaway: Syria's Kurds turn to US as Turkey threatens ground operation Plus, a look at Iran's enrichment activities, twin bombings in Jerusalem and the detention of another US citizen in Saudi Arabia. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights