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
US urges Yemen's Houthis to extend truce amid fears of renewed fighting The United States is seeking the renewal of a nationwide truce that brought a much-needed pause in violence to Yemen before it expired on Sunday. Yemen
Turkey’s Caucasian diaspora to help kinsmen fleeing Russian draft The Caucasian community in Turkey is treading carefully in an initiative to help kinsmen fleeing Moscow’s military call-up, wary of coming off as encouraging draft evasion and angering Russia. Turkey
Sudanese coup leader’s trips to UK, US fail to win over the West Burhan tried to portray the trips to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and the UNGA meeting in New York as the beginning of a new chapter with the Western capitals. North Africa
Iraqi PM, in Erbil, makes case for national dialogue Iraq's political deadlock continues amid fear of a new wave of violence erupting in the streets. Iraq
Russian warplanes bomb FSA camp in Syria's Idlib As Syrian and Russian attacks escalate in Idlib, the FSA-affiliated Jaysh al-Izza denied Russian reports that an airstrike at one of their sites in a displaced camp in the north killed some of their commanders. Syria
Turkey boosts soft power in Central Asia with Nomad Games Turkey has stepped up its charm offensive toward energy-rich Central Asia with traditional archery and horseback fights over a goat's carcass. Turkey
Israel escalates raids on Palestinian armed groups in West Bank The security situation in the West Bank continues to worsen as Israel escalates its raids and assassinations inside cities and armed factions retaliate. Palestine
Iran’s legendary soccer player under fire for backing protests Ali Karimi’s name is being chanted out loud by his fans on the street since the day he threw his support behind the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran that started Sept . 16. Iran
In EU dialogue, Lapid recommits Israel to two-state solution Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid addressed the long-defunct council for the Israel-EU Association Agreement today in a major step toward resuming dialogue with the European Union. Israel
Khamenei breaks silence on Iran protests, lays blame on US In his first speech since the outbreak of protests Sept. 16, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the United States and Israel of promoting unrest in the country. Iran
Israel’s Lapid defends compromise with Lebanon over maritime border Slammed by opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Yair Lapid claims the proposed deal over the demarcation of Israel and Lebanon’s maritime border protects Israel strategically on several levels. Israel
Israel warns dual citizens about travel to Russia Jerusalem tells Israeli-Russian citizens they could be drafted into Russian army. Israel