Analysis Why Iran regime’s potential collapse spells more risk than benefit for Turkey Iran’s leadership faces its most serious unrest in years, and rising Kurdish mobilization makes the prospect of regime collapse particularly risky for Turkey. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
As Trump eyes possible Iran exit strategy, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey push for restraint Iran’s airspace has reopened after a brief closure as Trump softens rhetoric on military action, while authorities report a slowdown in anti-regime protests amid a nationwide internet blackout and a harsh crackdown. Iran
Newsletter: Gulf How Gulf states view possible US strike on Iran Saudi Arabia has led a quiet push — alongside Oman and Qatar — to persuade Washington against intervening militarily, warning that escalation would rattle oil markets and risk destabilizing the Gulf. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
France to host Lebanon army conference as Hezbollah pushes back on disarmament The upcoming conference comes as the Lebanese army prepares to submit a plan for the second stage of its disarmament process, despite Hezbollah’s adamant refusal to give up its weapons. Lebanon
Interview Yadlin: Israel’s regime-change goal in Iran remote without US 'boots on the ground' Amos Yadlin Former head of Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate
Sednaya, Syria’s most notorious prison, finally exposed: What we know After the fall of Damascus, detainees have poured out of an infamous Syrian prison, yet some claim more detainees are trapped in cells deep underground. Syria
Syria’s Kurds under opposition assault as Erdogan vows to protect Turkey from 'terror' Clashes are intensifying as Turkey-backed forces push up against Kurdish fighters. Syria
Turkey to reopen crossing for returning Syrians as Erdogan hails rebel victory The Turkish president pledges support for reconstruction as the victory by opposition groups bolster efforts to re Turkey
In Lebanon, many hail Assad downfall as Syrian refugees stream home Many Lebanese are celebrating the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria after Lebanon suffered for decades under the Syrian military occupation and its interference in Lebanese politics. Lebanon
Analysis Trump presses for Russia-Ukraine ceasefire following Assad’s downfall The Syria war could also shake up Iraqi politics; Erdogan sees Syria as opening with Trump; Israel not banking on Golani; Assad’s final, desperate hours. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Biden says fall of Syria’s Assad 'moment of historic opportunity' The president said the United States will engage with all Syrian groups to establish a transition away from the Assad regime. Syria
Who controls what in Syria as post-Assad transition begins? President Bashar al-Assad left Syria shortly before rebel forces took the capital, Damascus, leaving various groups in control of different parts of the country. Syria
Biden: US troops to remain in Syria 'to ensure stability' after Assad's fall Washington has vowed to engage with “all Syrian groups," including HTS, and to assist Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Israel if they are threatened from Syrian territory. Syria
Qatar says ‘renewed interest’ in Gaza talks, wants unified Arab stance on Syria Doha, which had earlier suspended mediation efforts, says it supports a viable Palestinian governance model and is formulating a pan-Arab position on Syria that encompasses diverging Gulf views. Qatar
Russia state media says Syria's Assad and his family in Moscow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria after rebels claimed they seized Damascus. Syria
With Assad gone, Turkey urges Syrian opposition to unite, warns against PKK The top Turkish diplomat struck a composed tone following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad and called for unity among the Syrian opposition. Turkey
Syrians cheer fall of Assad, region reacts The Syrian rebels have taken Damascus and say they have toppled President Bashar al-Assad’s regime after his family ruled Syria for more than half a century. Syria