Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
US airstrikes target Iran's Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island American military forces launched their first strikes on the Iranian mainland in more than a month just days after the top US commander for the region said Iranian mines have been cleared from Hormuz shipping lanes. Iran
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis How Iran is readying for economic protests as Trump escalates pressure By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
US official alleges Hezbollah stashed ammonium nitrate throughout Europe The claim came amid a Trump administration push for the EU to fully designate Hezbollah's political wing a terrorist group. Lebanon
Trump administration leveraged terror designation to push Sudan to recognize Israel Last minute White House gambit risked efforts to obtain compensation for families of victims of the 1998 embassy bombings, sources tell Al-Monitor. Israel
US floats idea of upgrading Qatar to 'non-NATO ally' A senior State Department official made the suggestion amid a White House push for Arab states to recognize Israel following this year's strategic dialogue with Qatar. Qatar
US imposes sanctions on Iranian intelligence, Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon New US sanctions affect 47 individuals and entities in Iran as well as three targets in Lebanon. Lebanon
The Takeaway: Trump scores diplomatic win with eye on November election Iran deal coming after elections, Trump says; Qatar says normalization not the answer; Netanyahu returns home to COVID-19, political crises. Saudi Arabia
Pompeo: US to return to UN to ensure Iran sanctions enforced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the international sanctions on Iran will return this weekend, despite opposition from most of the Security Council. United States
US gives Iraqi Kurdistan peshmerga $250 million worth of Humvees, ammo Washington's ambassador announced the move as some US troops prepare to leave Iraq. Iraq
State Department officials testify before Congress on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said the May 2019 sale did not warrant an emergency certification, but a State official cited the threat from Iran. Saudi Arabia
DOJ orders affiliate of Qatar-backed Al Jazeera to register as foreign agent The Department of Justice accused AJ+ of acting "at the direction and control” of Qatar. Legacy: Gulf
Pentagon pushes back on claim that US to leave Turkey’s Incirlik base Senator Ron Johnson said the United States is considering basing more forces on Crete as relations with Turkey deteriorate. Turkey
Trump now admits he wanted to kill Syria's Assad but Mattis stopped him "I would've rather taken him out. I had him all set," President Donald Trump said of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Netanyahu excludes Gantz from triumphant trip to Washington Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's crowded Washington entourage included everyone but Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkanzi. United Arab Emirates