After Rafale jets, UAE's MBZ inks $50B AI deal with France in landmark visit

Only a week after the delivery of the first batch of Rafale F4 fighter jets to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates will invest billions of dollars in a new AI center in France.

United Arab Emirates

Rubio heads to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Israel on first Mideast visit

On his second trip abroad as Trump's secretary of state, Marco Rubio is expected to be in full damage-control mode after the president suggested the United States would "take ownership" of Gaza following his recommendation to evacuate its population.

Israel

US envoy visits Lebanon, says US 'grateful' to Israel for defeating Hezbollah

Morgan Ortagus reaffirmed the Trump administration position that Hezbollah cannot be part of the next Lebanese government, even as Beirut warned that this could create a parliamentarian crisis.

Lebanon

Analysis

Will Trump's Gaza plan scuttle fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire?

Strong negative responses to Trump's plan to transfer Palestinians from Gaza may provide Hamas an excuse not to release more hostages, Israeli officials fear.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US envoy visits Lebanon to discuss Hezbollah, cabinet formation: What we know

Morgan Ortagus is heading a delegation and set to arrive in Lebanon on Thursday night, the first such visit by Trump administration officials.

Lebanon

Trump administration unveils sanctions on Iran oil exports to China

The opening shot of Trump's rebooted "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran comes after the president suggested this week that its leaders should "immediately" work with the US on a new nuclear agreement.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

Will Trump’s maximum pressure on Iran restart talks or force escalation?

President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum to impose “maximum pressure” on Iran, a campaign that — during his first term — levied intense sanctions on the country in hopes of bringing it back to the negotiating table for nuclear talks.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Turkey, Syria draft road map to strengthen Syrian military: What we know

Ankara and Damascus are working on a plan for defense cooperation, according to a Turkish official, who added that Turkey's priority in Syria is the armed groups it deems a national security threat.

Turkey

Iran’s IRGC unveils first drone carrier warship

The new warship is the latest locally made addition to Iran’s growing military arsenal.

Iran

Macron invites Syria’s Sharaa to France for first EU visit: What to know

France, like other EU countries, has expressed a desire to engage with Syria’s new administration and lift sanctions on the country.

Syria

Why Israel's far right is embracing Trump’s Gaza displacement plan

Israel's far right is elated by President Donald Trump's calls to drive Gazans away from the Strip and resettle them in other Arab states.

Israel

Palestinian prisoners sent to Egypt, Turkey as Tunisia declines: What we know

Egypt has taken 79 prisoners freed in the hostage-release and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, with more expected to be sent to Pakistan and possibly Algeria.

Palestine