As US and Iran near deal, Trump confronts familiar dilemma It's unclear whether President Donald Trump will take the off-ramp as fellow Republicans rail against an interim deal that wouldn't immediately address Iran's nuclear program. Iran
Lebanon-Israel talks at Pentagon undercut by escalation: What to know The Lebanese army is expected to press for the full implementation of the ceasefire with Israel during military-level talks at the Pentagon, to allow it to carry out its plan to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon
Newsletter: China-Middle East China wary of Syria's Uyghur militants, but business keeps growing A groundbreaking report on Uyghur militants’ role in Assad’s downfall is sharpening Beijing’s concerns over Syria’s new Islamist-linked leadership. By Joyce Karam
Israel strikes Lebanon's capital Beirut for first time in 3 weeks: What to know According to Israeli media, Ali al-Husseini, the commander of the missile unit in the Imam Hussein Division, a brigade affiliated with Iran’s Quds Force that operates alongside Hezbollah, was the target of the attack. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US, Iran trade strikes as truce comes under pressure By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
French-made military technology used in Sudan war, Amnesty reports The report is the latest sign of growing foreign interference in Sudan, where the brutal civil war has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations. Sudan
BRICS offers Turkey 'partner country' status, Turkish trade minister says The Turkish trade minister stopped short of clarifying whether Ankara accepted the offer or not. Turkey
In first since Trump win, nuclear watchdog chief Grossi arrives in Iran for talks As Iran braces for another Trump presidency, which last time saw the dissolution of the Iran nuclear deal, the director of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency holds talks in Tehran regarding the Iranian nuclear program. Iran
As floods ravage Spain, Morocco utilizes disaster diplomacy, offers help Relations between Morocco and Spain are warming after years of tensions, and a railway linkage project is gaining momentum. Morocco
Turkey postpones debate on controversial ‘foreign agent’ law amid public outcry The move follows criticism from the opposition and civil society over potential threats to free speech and media independence. Turkey
Three years after fleeing, Afghanistan's last Jew arrives in Israel Having fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, heading to Istanbul via Pakistan, Afghanistan's last Jew has now arrived in Israel. Israel
Trump stuns Pentagon by naming Fox News host Pete Hegseth defense chief The president-elect’s made-for-TV decision to name Fox News host Pete Hegseth is reinforcing broad doubts about the seriousness of Trump's foreign policy. United States
From golf to the Gulf: Who is Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff? Trump's long-time friend will face a tough job in trying to quell a regional war that has been raging since Oct. 7, 2023, between Israel, Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. United States
After Trump win, Turkey hopeful on Syria reconciliation, US withdrawal Ankara expresses hope for mending ties with Damascus as well as a potential US military exit from northern Syria following Trump’s victory. Turkey
Iran arrests 7, kills 4 over alleged Israel links in southeast According to a spokesperson, an elite military unit killed four “terrorists affiliated with the Zionist regime” and arrested seven others in the province that is home to a separatist group. Iran
Interview Senior Palestinian official Jibril Rajoub calls for 'Marshall-like plan' to rebuild Gaza Potential unity with Hamas represents a key dilemma for the Ramallah-based government, which would lose legitimacy with the Western world but gain legitimacy with the Palestinian people. Jibril Rajoub Fatah Central Committee Secretary-General
CIA official arrested for top-secret leak on Israel plans to attack Iran: What we know Asif W. Rahman was charged in a federal court in Virginia last week with two counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. Israel