Analysis As it hosts NATO, Turkey eyes France's SAMP/T system, F-35 progress with Trump Turkey is set to host NATO leaders as doubts over US commitment linger prompting Ankara to seeks its own defense deals with Paris and Washington. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran mourns Khamenei as questions swirl over Mojtaba’s absence By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis In Libya, maritime dispute could complicate Turkey’s backing of US unity push Turkey and the US increasingly share an interest in stabilizing Libya through a Tripoli-Benghazi power-sharing deal, though their alignment may hinge on the durability of any such deal and Washington's stance on Ankara's disputed 2019 maritime agreement. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis As US-Iran talks falter, Israel views war outcome as 'total strategic failure’ Israeli officials believe the US failure to attain the kind of agreement with Iran that it originally sought stems from the strategic mistakes made during and after the recent war. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar reports progress in US-Iran talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Araghchi warns Israel as US, Iran hold technical talks in Doha By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Pompeo to warn Israel over Chinese involvement in water plant Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to warn Israel on his Wednesday visit against letting a Chinese firm build and operate the biggest seawater desalination plant in the world. Israel
Five priorities for the US-Iraq strategic dialogue include recognizing regional role for Iraq US diplomacy during Iraqi transition sets tone for relationship. Iraq
Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq The US commander of Operation Inherent Resolve hopes allied forces will return to Iraq once the COVID-19 crisis subsides. Iraq
Intel: Amid US funding gap, UN Palestinian refugee agency seeks $93M in coronavirus aid As the coronavirus continues its spread through the impoverished West Bank and Gaza Strip, the United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians is seeking emergency funding to help with what it calls the worst financial crisis in the organization’s 70-year history. Palestine
Intel: Trump administration singles out Russia’s role in Libya war The Donald Trump administration stepped up its criticism of Russia’s role in Libya’s civil war on Thursday. Syria
Israel concerned over US intention to withdraw troops from Sinai Israel would rather have the United States keeping its 400 soldiers in the Sinai Peninsula, especially on the backdrop of growing tensions there and increased jihadist activity. Egypt
Intel: US approves $2.3 billion upgrade for 43 of Egypt’s Apache helicopters The US State Department approved a sale of $2.3 billion worth of equipment to refurbish 43 of Egypt’s Apache helicopters. Egypt
Pompeo to discuss annexation, Iran, China with Israel’s new government Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will arrive in Israel with a long list of issues to discuss the day the new government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is sworn in. Israel
Intel: US to withdraw Patriot missile systems from Saudi Arabia The Pentagon is set to pull Patriot missile defense systems from Saudi Arabia amid internal pressure to transfer military assets to counter China. Saudi Arabia
Trump blasts Republicans who voted for Iran war powers bill as Senate fails to override veto President Donald Trump laid into some of his close Senate allies for siding with Democrats on an Iran war powers bill even as Congress failed to override his veto. Saudi Arabia
Kurdish and coalition forces target Islamic State in eastern Syria The operation comes at a time of recent IS attacks in Syria and Iraq. Iraq
Netanyahu’s future coalition, without the settlers? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got the recommendation of 72 Knesset members for him to form and lead Israel’s next government, but the list does not include the signatures of his allies from the Yamina party. Palestine