Exclusive Saudi Arabia to announce Red Sea coalition to counter Houthi threats Around 50 countries have been invited to join the Saudi-led initiative aimed at countering Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping and preventing a repeat of recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. By Amberin Zaman , Jared Szuba
Meet Khalida Boufedech, the first woman to lead Algeria’s parliament Khalida Boufedech became Algeria’s first woman parliament speaker and the highest-ranking woman to hold constitutional office in the country’s history. Algeria
Newsletter: Gulf Riyadh's Yemen dilemma As Houthi attacks shift from symbolic strikes to Saudi energy infrastructure, Riyadh faces difficult choices over how far it is willing to go to protect its Red Sea strategy. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis Katz riles Iran, US as Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to settle for a brief meeting with President Donald Trump, while his defense minister, Israel Katz, appeared intent on provoking Iran by publicly disclosing sensitive intelligence. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iraq's Zaidi cancels Riyadh visit after US-Saudi strikes By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Won’t shove it 'down our throats': Netanyahu blasts Palestine recognition in UN speech Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the leaders of countries that recognized Palestine of playing into Hamas’ hands. Israel
Meet David Zini, Israel's controversial next Shin Bet chief The Grunis Committee cleared his nomination despite controversies over Zini's past statements, national-religious background, and closeness to the prime minister. Israel
Snapback ‘too late’ to reverse despite quiet US-Iran talks Months after US and Israeli strikes derailed the nuclear talks, Steve Witkoff confirmed his talks with the Iranians are ongoing. Iran
Trump says Turkey sanctions could end 'very soon' at White House meeting with Erdogan During the meeting, Trump suggested the dispute over Turkey’s F-35 fighter jets could be resolved quickly as sanctions discussions continue. Turkey
Pentagon had no warning Israel planned to strike Qatar, US general says The top US Air Force commander for the Middle East said early warning systems did not determine that Israeli warplanes had launched ballistic missiles towards Qatar, a US ally, until it was too late, following fresh concerns about the Pentagon's ambitions to build an air defense umbrella for the region. United States
Sudan, Russia sign trade deals as Khartoum seeks funds, Moscow eyes Red Sea port The meeting in Moscow produced two agreements and an economic and trade cooperation protocol. Sudan
Syria navy delegation visits Turkey: What to know Turkey is seeking to help Syria build its new military, and the neighbors are also cooperating on counter-narcotics and intelligence matters. Turkey
US working to broker talks between Sudan factions, Trump envoy says Massad Boulos also said an agreement was nearly finalized with the Rapid Support Forces to bring humanitarian aid to El Fasher. Sudan
Wildfires ravage Syria’s Latakia for 4th day in row: What to know A Syrian official recently said that 2025 has been the driest year in decades, as wildfires persist along the coast, and the response is being hindered by the effects of the war. Syria
Saudi Arabia, Muslim world mourn passing of grand mufti Leaders from Muslim nations and other countries across the world offered their condolences to Saudi Arabia on the death of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, who served for more than 20 years during a period of major political and social change in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Palestine Palestinian officials welcome recognition, urge concrete action Palestinian officials welcomed new recognitions of their state but stressed that true progress depends on concrete actions, not just symbolic gestures. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
CENTCOM launches task force to drive Pentagon’s drone race New unit aims to put "combat-credible" drone systems into the hands of US troops in the Middle East within 60 days, part of an ambitious new push by the Pentagon to leapfrog advances made by Washington's adversaries in fielding cheaply made but lethal armed drones. United States