Lebanon army chief to visit US Tuesday to shore up support: What to know

The Lebanese army is seeking international and regional support to boost its capabilities and enable it to continue clearing the areas in southern Lebanon as part of a disarmament plan.

Lebanon

Iran FM heads to Turkey in last-ditch effort to avoid US escalation

Ankara is stepping up efforts to ease Iran-US tensions, as Turkey's top diplomat meets with a US envoy ahead of the Iranian foreign minister's Friday visit to Turkey.

Turkey

European Union adds IRGC to terror list, expands sanctions

As the extent of the killing of protests is gradually revealed, the European Union has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

Iran

Iranian officials vow 'harsh' response as Trump threatens action: What to know

Iranian officials signaled openness to a nuclear deal but warned they would retaliate against any US military strike.

Iran

Analysis

After Trump’s rebuke, can Maliki rebound in Iraq, or does Sudani become favorite?

President Donald Trump’s criticism of Nouri al-Maliki could either hurt or help his chances to return to office, depending on how Iraq’s political leaders respond, experts said.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

EU nears terror listing of Iran’s IRGC as France, Spain flip: What to know

France and Spain had previously opposed the designation of the IRGC, arguing that the move could curtail any chance of dialogue with Tehran.

Iran

Turkey declares Somalia unity a priority after Israel's Somaliland recognition

Ankara has designated Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as a national security priority in its latest expression of support.

Turkey

Rubio says 'thousands' killed in Iran, US prepping for threats against personnel

The top American diplomat’s comments follow US President Donald Trump saying an “armada” is heading toward Iran.

Iran

Sharaa, Putin meet in Moscow after Russia's abrupt pullout from Syria base

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Moscow, his second in four months, comes days after Russia began withdrawing its forces and evacuating equipment from its military base in northeast Syria.

Syria

Turkey arrests 6 in alleged Iran IRGC spy plot involving armed drones

Turkish authorities arrested six people accused of spying for Tehran, as Ankara works on plans to contain security risks and refugee fallout from potential US strikes on Iran.

Turkey

Newsletter: Gulf

Iran-US row puts Gulf at risk

Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar have intensified quiet diplomacy to discourage US military action, pairing it with stepped-up security coordination.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Interview

YPG spokesman: Syrian forces' strategy is to isolate Kurdish towns and cities

In an interview with Al-Monitor, YPG spokesman Siyamend Ali said Kurdish forces were successfully repelling advances by the Syrian army, while Damascus accused the Kurds of launching unprovoked attacks.

Siyamend Ali

YPG spokesman