US-Iran talks uncertain as Tehran pushes to sideline regional countries Iran is also pushing to move the negotiations to Oman and to exclude its missile program from the talks. Iran
Saif Islam Gadhafi, son of late Libyan ruler, killed in gunfight: What to know Gadhafi was a key figure in his father Moammar Gadhafi's regime, and faced legal prosecution for his alleged roles in crimes against Libyans. Libya
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
Bracing for backlash, Iran sends mixed signals on US talks Iran's public messaging remains fragmented, with cautious openness from the presidency, rigid red lines from security officials and outright rejection from hard-liners, who see negotiations as futile. Iran
Saudi Arabia signs major deal with Turkey to acquire Baykar drones Riyadh has long been interested in Baykar drones and the possibility of producing the weapons in Saudi Arabia. Turkey
Analysis Israel-Morocco security ties set to deepen after Western Sahara recognition The last two years have seen a quantum leap in the security and strategic cooperation between Israel and Morocco. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US sends F-35s, Navy destroyer to Middle East amid aggressive moves by Russia, Iran The Pentagon is bolstering its defenses in the region as Congress presses the Biden administration to crack down on Iran's oil and gas exports. Iran
On Kenya visit, Cohen meets leader of African country with no ties to Israel Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen flew to Kenya for a short visit to expand the circle of peace, curb Iranian influence in the continent and promote Jerusalem’s bid to be accepted as an observer in the African Union organization. Israel
Breaking | Last Updated: July 17, 2023, 2:32 pm Israel recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara The move follows the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco in 2020 as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords. Israel
Egypt building collapse leaves 9 dead, fourth in a month The collapse of a building in Cairo on Monday is brings number of fatalities from these incidents in Egypt to 25 in the last four weeks. Egypt
Meet Jerusalem Patriarch championing Christians rights and soon to be Cardinal Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the soon-to-be-nominated cardinal, has been spearheading the Vatican's battle against violence in Jerusalem in favor of inter-cultural/inter-religious dialogue for more than 20 years. Israel
Inside Turkey's three dimensions for changing tune on Sweden's NATO bid Turkey’s surprise decision on the Swedish NATO bid seems to be underpinned by considerations on defense and economic areas. Turkey
Can Iran balance dependence on China with economic openness on India? The International North-South Transport Corridor project has become a matter of urgency for Russia, India and Iran, as it would help Moscow and Tehran develop new markets and evade sanctions. Iran
Twitter or Threads? Egypt's activists join but not sold on Meta's idea yet Activists weigh concerns about misogyny and chaos on the pre-existing platform vs. censorship and data collection on Meta's new offering. Egypt
Russia, Iran quietly coordinating in Syria to pressure US, official says Russia is trying to squeeze the US out of Syria's airspace while the IRGC continues to flow weapons used to attack US bases into the country, a senior military official said. Syria
US, West turn up heat on Iran over Ukraine Also: An October benchmark for the Iran nuclear deal could turn into a showdown over Ukraine, while signaling the end of the JCPOA. Iran