Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war As US President Trump makes contradictory statements regarding his intentions toward Iran and the ongoing negotiations, Israel is preparing for the possibility of resuming military operations. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
US boards Iran-linked tanker in Indian Ocean, vows pursuit of 'ghost fleet' The Pentagon said that "international waters are not a refuge" for vessels under US economic sanctions. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US forces board Iran-linked tanker By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Lebanon's Hezbollah denies links to suspects in killing of UN Irish peacekeeper Hezbollah officials have denied court findings that five people formally accused of killing an Irish soldier of the UNIFIL last year were members of Hezbollah. Lebanon
Iran releases 1 Danish, 2 Austrian citizens after Oman mediation The newest release of European dual nationals follows a prisoner swap between Iran and Belgium also mediated by Oman. Iran
Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE attend BRICS meeting in South Africa as bloc mulls expansion Iran, which has applied for observer status in BRICS, is finessing non-Western states to remedy its battered economy. Iran
Israel slams IAEA for closing two Iran nuclear sites probes Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Foreign Ministry slammed the IAEA for caving into Iranian pressure and ending two probes on traces of enriched uranium found at the Fordo and Marivan sites. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel, Hezbollah rattle swords, with military drills near border The military drills of Hezbollah and of the Israel Defense Forces — only a few days apart — reflect growing tensions on Israel’s northern border. Israel
Turkey’s beleaguered Kurds weigh new strategies after Erdogan’s win The key question following the vote is whether the alliance between the HDP and the main opposition Republican People’s Party and its Table of Six partners can endure. Turkey
Attack on Iran-Pakistan border leaves 2 dead Security issues are complicating Iran’s relations with Pakistan, and there has also been violence on the Iran-Afghanistan border recently. Iran
Iran executions spike by 76% with 142 people hanged in May: Report A new report reveals that Iran carried out 307 executions in 2023 as rights groups' pleas fall on deaf ears. Iran
Turkey’s jailed Kurdish leader quits active politics after Erdogan’s victory Selahattin Demirtas' announcement comes amid heated public debate over whether Kemal Kilicdaroglu would resign after he was defeated by President Erdogan in Sunday’s runoff. Turkey
US not notified yet of UAE's withdrawal from Gulf maritime coalition The announcement that the UAE had withdrawn its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces coalition appears to be Abu Dhabi's latest signal to Washington that it wants serious dialogue on security guarantees. Legacy: Gulf
US lawmakers urge aid for Tunisia's civil society as crackdown intensifies The Biden administration’s proposal to slash economic assistance while largely sustaining military aid to Tunisia has drawn concern in Congress. Tunisia
Turkey's conservatives lash out at actress Merve Dizdar after Cannes win Angry reactions to actress Merve Dizdar’s acceptance speech at the Cannes film festival may foreshadow more crackdowns on the liberal arts sector as Erdogan and a new conservative parliament takes the reins. Turkey