Analysis Ahead of Trump-Xi summit, Iran looks to China as guarantor — but with reservations Tehran is closely watching the Trump-Xi meeting to determine whether China will continue acting primarily as a protector or if it will gradually emerge as the power capable of pressuring Iran into a narrower strategic corner. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Israel’s drone dilemma: Hezbollah’s low-cost threat reshapes Lebanon front While Israeli and Lebanese delegations are set to meet in Washington for the third time, the Israeli military faces a growing threat from Hezbollah’s cheap yet highly lethal drones. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran’s Ghalibaf: US must accept Tehran proposal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Rubio hosts Ethiopia’s FM amid push to boost security ties: What to know In response to heightening regional volatility, Ethiopia is prioritizing a strategic partnership with the Washington to secure its geopolitical standing. Sudan
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump rejects Iran's latest proposal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran: Netanyahu's claims 'childish' attempt to influence Trump Iranian officials reacted to Israeli allegations about Tehran’s nuclear program, warning Israel against “conspiracies” against Iran and “dangerous behavior.” Israel
Iran, Russia, Turkey close ranks on Syria coordination amid US pressure Moscow and its partners in Tehran and Ankara move to strengthen coordination on Syria as the Trump administration signals an intention to up the stakes. Syria
Supreme leader serves notice to Iran's enemies: Era of ‘hit and run’ is over Iranian sources deny that any of its fighters were killed in a missile strike against Syrian bases, while the supreme leader took the opportunity to strike out at the US presence in the region. United States
Trump, Netanyahu stand firm against Europe on Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is encouraged by more and more hints that President Donald Trump will nix the Iranian nuclear agreement. Israel
Billboards bashing social justice NGO dot Tel Aviv The far-right Im Tirzu group is behind a hate campaign targeting the US-based New Israel Fund. Israel
Why Jerusalem momentum could generate early elections in Israel With the start of the Knesset’s summer session and the ongoing investigations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the early election pendulum is gathering momentum. Israel
Will Abbas meet with Pompeo? The current assessment among Palestinian officials is that they should not turn down the American offer to meet with Mike Pompeo, the new secretary of state. Palestine
US advances confidence-building measures toward Palestinians The Palestinian leadership in Ramallah refuses to negotiate with US administration envoys, but might be willing to indirectly discuss an interim agreement. Palestine
Iraq’s Shiite militias hope battlefield wins can secure electoral victory An electoral coalition formed by some pro-Iranian Shiite Popular Mobilization Units is confident it can secure enough seats in parliament to form a majority and claim the premiership. Iraq
Boeing finds other buyers as prospects for Iran sales dwindle There is a sense of deja vu as Boeing finds other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, to fill its order books amid US government pressure. United States
Ex-IRGC chief: Iran to leave nuclear weapons treaty if US ditches deal Former military commander Mohsen Rezaei has said that if the United States reneges on the nuclear deal, Iran could exit the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. United States
Why US must also open East Jerusalem embassy Opening a US Embassy in Jerusalem could actually advance peace, if it is accompanied by the opening of a US Embassy to Palestine in East Jerusalem. Palestine