Analysis How Saudi Arabia seeks to contain Yemen's Houthis without provoking Iran Riyadh is balancing pressure on the Houthis with efforts to keep Iran from widening the conflict, as attacks threaten Saudi energy exports through the Red Sea. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey’s defense giants court Egypt at Alamein Airshow: What to know Three leading Turkish defense companies are participating in the El Alamein Airshow as Ankara seeks new sales and closer military-industrial cooperation with Egypt. Turkey
Netanyahu threatens to sue Haaretz for reporting UAE warned Israel of Oct. 7 attack The Emirati president reportedly warned that a planned attack could cause bloodshed, destabilize the region and threaten the Abraham Accords. Israel
UN watchdog formally ends probe into Assad-era nuclear sites The vote follows last month's visit by international inspectors to two suspected former nuclear sites in Syria. Syria
Analysis What Houthi setbacks in Yemen mean for Iran's regional influence By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Newsletter: Gulf The UAE’s India bet is getting bigger As Gulf states emerge from months of conflict with Iran, their search for new security partners is increasingly extending beyond traditional Western suppliers. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Trump hints at F-35 breakthrough with Turkey ahead of NATO summit The administration is moving ahead with planned jet engine sales to Ankara ahead of next month’s NATO summit despite congressionally mandated sanctions on Turkey's defense industry. Turkey
Israel, Turkey, Iran offer aid as Venezuela’s 2 quakes kill at least 188 Iran, Turkey and Israel were among the first countries to offer assistance to earthquake-hit Venezuela despite their varying diplomatic relationships with Caracas. Turkey
Explainer Bombed sites, missing uranium: How Trump’s Iran deal hinges on inspector access Iran's long record of obstructing the UN's nuclear watchdog raises questions about how much access it would grant in a future deal. Iran
Iran rejects Trump's claim frozen funds will buy US soybeans: What to know Trump said Wednesday that the US would release “some” Iranian frozen funds and would use them to purchase corn, wheat and soybeans from American farmers. Iran
Lebanon cancels national high school exams due to war: What to know Lebanon has canceled its national exams for the year due to the war and ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, following weeks of pressure on the Education Ministry. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Rubio courts GCC support on Iran deal as UAE warns over Hormuz Also: Turkey jet engines, Sudan’s currency divide, and pro-Palestinian victories in NYC. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iran’s IRGC warns against using 'highly dangerous' Hormuz route: What to know Tehran is warning that Oman's temporary routes will not guarantee safe passage through the key waterway. Iran
CENTCOM commander heads to Israel, Gulf as Lebanon talks stall Israel's top defense official said his country would not withdraw from Lebanon despite diplomatic pressure from Washington as it seeks rapprochement with Iran. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer Pro-Palestine Democrats win in NYC elections: What it means According to a recent survey, 80% of Democrats expressed an unfavorable view of Israel, yet party leadership in the House and Senate has remained largely aligned with longstanding US support for Israel. United States
Syria opens trial of Wassim al-Assad, cousin of ousted president: What we know The trial follows another session in the case against Atef Najib, also a cousin of former President Bashar al-Assad, as Syrian authorities continue prosecuting figures linked to the former regime and its remnants. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week Hormuz tolls and frozen funds pose early tests for Iran deal; Iran's generals intensify anti-US rhetoric; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO