Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel’s Netanyahu to discuss Iran, Lebanon with Trump Oman proposes Hormuz management plan; Iraq's Zaidi pays first visit to Turkey; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Khamenei says Hezbollah's agenda 'strategic mandate' for Iran Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s comments come as Lebanon and Israel move forward with a US-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah in the south, though the Iran-backed group is resisting calls to turn over its weapons. Lebanon
On eighth visit, Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to repair ties with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran in his Tuesday meeting with President Donald Trump, while the US leader is more likely to want to discuss Lebanon and Syria. United States
Trump says Iran seeks talks after strikes halted An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the two sides have communicated only through intermediaries. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says it doesn’t seek to resume negotiations with Washington By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iraq's pro-Iran factions shrug off congressional sanctions push Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Hezbollah Brigades have dismissed the effectiveness of possible new US sanctions against them and claim they might even be helpful. Iraq
Reformists face defeat in competition over Iranian speakership Incumbent Ali Larijani won the election between moderates and Reformists for the Iranian parliament’s speakership. Iran
US sanctions threaten Iran’s high hopes for tourism While the reimposition of US sanctions is likely to damage the revival of Iran’s tourism sector at least in the short term, the country’s ambitious plans to attract foreign visitors should not be written off. United States
Jordan keeps close tabs on southern Syria amid heightened tensions With reports that Iranian militias have withdrawn from southern Syria and the army is preparing to launch a military assault against rebels there, Jordan fears the cease-fire agreement could be jeopardized. Israel
Iranian student stands up to Khamenei, calls for democratization Iran’s supreme leader met with a group of students and responded to a number of criticisms of his performance. Iran
Can the EU meet Iran’s expectations for keeping nuclear deal? As Iran and other remaining signatories to the JCPOA labor to keep the nuclear deal intact, rising regime cohesion amid Ayatollah Khamenei’s outlining of effective “red lines” indicate the predominance of realism in Tehran. Iran
Putin, Macron explore what they have to offer each other on Iran, Syria The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum set the stage for French President Emmanuel Macron to pursue a broad agenda and perhaps bring his country and Russia closer regarding Syria and Iran. Syria
Iran-Israel restraint may hinge on nuclear deal As tensions between Iran and Israel reach new highs, saving the nuclear deal could be the only path to containing further dangerous escalation in the region. Israel
Israel pushes US to recognize Golan Heights sovereignty Some Israeli senior officials believe the Trump administration might agree to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Israel
Iraq's Sadr sends positive sign to both the US and Iran In an attempt to prevent the United States and Iran from objecting to his move toward forming the new Iraqi government, Sadr sends positive messages to both, stating that he will not stand against them. Iraq
How US sanctions will impact Iranian startups While established Iranian startups are likely to withstand the impact of US sanctions, the return of increasing tension between Tehran and Washington will nonetheless choke investment and business confidence. Iran
Can Hamas spin itself out of crisis? Recent remarks by Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar about Iran assisting the movement to grow stronger are intended to sideline criticism within the Gaza Strip against it, and to pressure Israel into accepting a long-term cease-fire. Palestine
