Trump extends ceasefire with Iran ‘until discussions concluded’ Trump also said he directed the US Navy to continue its blockade of Iranian ports. Iran
Trump envoy Barrack’s embrace of 'strong leaders' sparks fury in Turkey Turkish opposition members say envoy Tom Barrack’s remarks praising “strong leaders” and monarchies undermine Turkey’s democratic tradition and embolden President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
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
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US forces board Iran-linked tanker By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Syria's Assad accuses France of 'hysteria' for calling to put him on trial Damascus is furious after French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said she thinks Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should stand trial for his role in the Syrian war. Syria
Iran tests ballistic missile with 1250-mile range, capable of hitting Israel The missile's declared range makes it capable of reaching Israel, which warned Tehran this week with military action over its ramped-up nuclear enrichment and regional activities. Iran
Turkey Elections: Deepfakes, disinformation ‘misdirect’ voters ahead of runoff False claims and montage videos have featured heavily in campaign leading to Sunday’s presidential rerun. Turkey
Al-Monitor/Premise Turkey poll: Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu statistically tied in election runoff The poll found the economy, refugees and justice stand out as the top three issues that the country faces, with 71% of respondents favoring an imminent return of refugees in the country. Turkey
Israeli-Saudi normalization still elusive despite US push The Biden administration is seeking full diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, but Riyadh is unlikely to embrace normalization without significant concessions. Saudi Arabia
Israeli settlers, Palestinians clash near Homesh in West Bank after EU visit Reports of Israel's intention to move the makeshift yeshiva at the West Bank Homesh settlement to nearby state land have stoked tensions and clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Israel
French navy in Mideast seizes $108M drug shipment in Indian Ocean The seizures mark the latest sign of US and allied cooperation on interdiction in Gulf waterways. Legacy: Gulf
Sultan of Oman to make first visit to Iran amid regional thaw The visit comes amid Iran’s rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, and Oman's mediation between Egypt and Tehran. Oman
Turkey Elections: Far-right Victory Party throws support behind Erdogan challenger As Turkey enters the final stretch to the presidential runoff, the political tone has gotten harsher with name-calling and libel suits. Turkey
Iran suspect in cyberattack targeting Israeli shipping, financial firms Iran has increased its cyberattacks against Israel in the past year, according to several observers. Iran
Who is Alireza Enayati, Iran’s first ambassador to Saudi Arabia in 7 years? Alireza Enayati previously served as the director-general for Persian Gulf Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry and as Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait. Iran
Syrian girls play soccer among ghosts of Islamic State Raqqa's first-ever girls' soccer team is blooming where Islamic State once terrorized the society. Syria