Iraq’s Zaidi doubles down on militia disarmament, boosting oil exports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the comments amid Hormuz-related export struggles and a nearing deadline for armed groups to disarm. Iraq
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Saudi crown prince heads to France as ties deepen: What to expect Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will start a visit to Paris this weekend, his fourth to France since his appointment in 2017. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran threatens ‘devastating’ response as US ramps up sanctions Syrian Kurds announce integration with Damascus; US Treasury issues Hezbollah Iran-linked sanctions; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkish coal mine explosion kills 22, traps dozens The accident in northern Turkey killed 22 people, injured more than 20 and trapped dozens of miners waiting to be rescued from underground. Turkey
Israel-Lebanon maritime agreement to prompt working relations Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Palestinian man decapitated over sexual orientation in the West Bank Palestinians were shocked at the gruesome killing of a young Palestinian gay man, whose body was found decapitated near the city of Hebron in the West Bank. Palestine
Erdogan’s pre-election gesture to Alevis met with suspicion Many leaders of Turkey’s Alevi community question the motives behind Erdogan’s plan to create a public authority in charge of Alevi houses of worship. Turkey
Israel's interior minister calls to expel family of Palestinian assailant On the backdrop of growing tensions in the West Bank, and riding on Israelis’ fears over personal security, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked is campaigning for the family of Palestinian assailant Fadi Kunbar to be expelled from Jerusalem. Israel
Report: Iran warns EU over sanctions threat Some European diplomats have been advocating for sanctions against the Islamic Republic over its violent response to protests. Iran
Israel challenged by West Bank 'Lion’s Den' assailants Prime Minister Yair Lapid struggles now with Palestinian unrest in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, fueled by provocations on the part of ultranationalist legislator Itamar Ben-Gvir and opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Saudi Arabia's defense of OPEC+ cuts draws sharp US rebuke The United States and Saudi Arabia are offering differing accounts of OPEC+'s decision to cut oil production. Saudi Arabia
Iran chief judge says no mercy for protest organizers The directive came after a green light from Iran's supreme leader and following another day of deadly unrest nationwide. Iran
Turkish imam loses his job over lyrics criticizing government Demotion of an imam over a protest song comes as another sign of the expanding intolerant climate in Turkey ahead of June elections. Turkey
Turkey bullish about F-16 deal with Washington, despite Menendez's vow to block it The New Jersey senator has vowed to block any deal until the Turkish president "halts his campaign of aggression against the region." Turkey
Iraqi lawmakers elect Abdul Latif Rashid as new president The often-deadlocked parliament chose a veteran Kurdish politician as president, who in turn designated Muhammad Shia al-Sudani for the prime minister position. Iraq