Analysis Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order? Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
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
Trump to Iran: Call me Amid rising tensions, President Donald Trump urged Iran three times to call him and said he believed they could make a fair deal. Iraq
Pentagon’s new Middle East chief fixes sights on Iran threat Gen. Frank McKenzie, the Pentagon’s new top military commander in the Middle East, faces the lingering threat of Iran with limited military authorities at his disposal and a wary Congress. United States
Congress tries to defund US nuclear transfers to Saudi Arabia House Democrats want to use the power of the purse to halt the transfer of US civil nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
US condemnation of Muslim Brotherhood would cost Turkey dearly If the Donald Trump administration brands the Muslim Brotherhood a terror organization to please its Gulf allies and Egypt, it will create a major headache for Turkey. Turkey
Istanbul election rerun brings Turkey fresh economic turmoil The cancellation of the opposition victory in the mayoral race in Istanbul has raised the specter of more trouble for the Turkish economy, which is already grappling with recession and currency-related tumult. Turkey
Amid US pressure, Iran warns Europe of another ‘wave’ of refugees Iran has warned Europe that if US sanctions continue to take a toll on its economy, it will no longer be able to host Afghan refugees. United States
Pro-Iran militia leader lashes out against Pompeo visit to Baghdad Following US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Baghdad, pro-Iranian forces in Iraq sent a strong warning to the United States. Iraq
Turkey and Palestine maintain strong ties despite US pressures Turkey is proving to be a strong ally to Palestine despite being a member of NATO and having a long-standing military relationship with Israel, and Palestinian officials are trying to use this relationship to counterpressure the Trump administration and Israel. Palestine
Libyan government presses US to block Gulf support for Tripoli offensive The UN-backed Government of National Accord is lobbying Washington to halt Khalifa Hifter’s offensive on Tripoli by denying him arms from Gulf Arab states. Libya
Democrats slam ‘massive failure’ of Trump policy after Iran restarts nuclear activity Democrats are blaming the Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign for Tehran’s decision to resume some enrichment activity constrained by the 2015 nuclear deal. Congress
Intel: How Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign is bringing Iran and Russia closer together Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif's long-planned visit to Moscow today quickly turned into a grievance-sharing session with his counterpart Sergey Lavrov about the Donald Trump administration. Russia
Trump admin vows US won’t be 'hostage' to 'nuclear blackmail' from Iran The United States says won’t give in to Iranian threats as Iran is set to end compliance with the two conditions the US administration recently made impossible to meet. United States