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
As Syria’s economy teeters, US prepares sweeping sanctions On Wednesday, the US State Department will announce the first round of targets under the so-called Caesar Act. Syria
Erdogan aims for 'new era' in US-Turkey ties, with Libya top of agenda Mideast economic forecast is "heavily tilted to the downside," said a World Bank report. Turkey
US, Iraq look to continue strategic dialogue in Washington next month Following an initial round of talks in Baghdad, Iraq and the United States have agreed to maintain and expand cooperation in various realms. Iraq
Qatar National Bank hit with lawsuit over Americans killed by Hamas in Israel A wrongful death lawsuit was filed in New York by dozens of relatives of 10 Americans killed or wounded by Hamas attacks in Israel and the West Bank. Qatar
Intel: Congress pushes back against Pentagon plan to withdraw US forces from Egypt’s Sinai Congress is using a key defense bill to push back against Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s reported plans to withdraw US peacekeeping forces from Egypt’s Sinai. Egypt
Intel: Trump lines up behind Libya cease-fire proposed by Egypt’s Sisi President Donald Trump praised Egypt for its Libya cease-fire proposal during a conversation on Wednesday with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
US-Iraq strategic talks launched with increasing national, regional support Iraq has begun a strategic dialogue with the United States that promises to shape various aspects of the two countries' relationship. Iraq
US response muted as Turkey gives consulate employee harsh prison sentence A Turkish staff member of the US Consulate in Istanbul has been handed nearly nine years in prison in what some analysts suggest is a sign that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "new era" in US-Turkish relations will be one of increasing US leniency. Turkey
Will Netanyahu opt for partial annexation? Some reports say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might opt for a phased annexation plan for the West Bank that, at least at first, would exclude the Jordan Valley. Palestine
Erdogan banks on Trump’s friendship to deal with Libya Turkey needs the support of the United States more than it did months ago to implement its regional agenda in Libya and beyond. Turkey
Intel: State Department official 'tried to bully' watchdog reviewing Saudi arms sale The independent watchdog ousted by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that a high-ranking State Department official “tried to bully” him in part because of his review of last year’s emergency arms sale for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia
US watchdog group: Turkey’s actions in Syria endanger religious diversity The partial withdrawal of US troops from northeast Syria in October created a vacuum for religious repression, a bipartisan US agency says. Syria