Could Israel-US war on Iran save Netanyahu’s political future? It remains unclear whether the Israeli prime minister will get a "victory photo" to rescue his image after the security debacle and Hamas attack in October 2023. Israel
Analysis No strangers to turmoil, Turkey-Iran to maintain ties under Mojtaba Khamenei Even as war heighten tensions between Ankara and Tehran, the mix of rivalry and pragmatic cooperation that has long defined Turkey–Iran relations is likely to endure. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Oil fires, toxic air and water risks: Environmental cost of Iran war expands to region The bombing of oil facilities in Iran and critical water infrastructure in the Gulf threatens the Middle East with long-lasting environmental destruction, as have similar tactics employed in previous conflicts. Iran
Analysis How Iran's IRGC is charting war course beyond Khamenei's heir While Iran projects continuity under Mojtaba Khamenei, the IRGC is orchestrating the country's wartime posture, consolidating authority and preparing for a protracted conflict. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Hamas sits out Iran war as Gaza, Gulf interests take priority By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
Newsletter: Turkey Turkey braces for Iran war fallout By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Hormuz dilemma denies Trump administration easy exit from Iran war By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Sudan, Russia sign trade deals as Khartoum seeks funds, Moscow eyes Red Sea port The meeting in Moscow produced two agreements and an economic and trade cooperation protocol. Sudan
Syria navy delegation visits Turkey: What to know Turkey is seeking to help Syria build its new military, and the neighbors are also cooperating on counter-narcotics and intelligence matters. Turkey
US working to broker talks between Sudan factions, Trump envoy says Massad Boulos also said an agreement was nearly finalized with the Rapid Support Forces to bring humanitarian aid to El Fasher. Sudan
Wildfires ravage Syria’s Latakia for 4th day in row: What to know A Syrian official recently said that 2025 has been the driest year in decades, as wildfires persist along the coast, and the response is being hindered by the effects of the war. Syria
Saudi Arabia, Muslim world mourn passing of grand mufti Leaders from Muslim nations and other countries across the world offered their condolences to Saudi Arabia on the death of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, who served for more than 20 years during a period of major political and social change in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Palestine Palestinian officials welcome recognition, urge concrete action Palestinian officials welcomed new recognitions of their state but stressed that true progress depends on concrete actions, not just symbolic gestures. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
CENTCOM launches task force to drive Pentagon’s drone race New unit aims to put "combat-credible" drone systems into the hands of US troops in the Middle East within 60 days, part of an ambitious new push by the Pentagon to leapfrog advances made by Washington's adversaries in fielding cheaply made but lethal armed drones. United States
Israeli settlers blamed for attack on Palestinian mayor as West Bank roils The Israeli military recently laid siege to Tulkarm, a center of militant activity, as Palestinian officials report daily attacks by settlers. Israel
Russia, Iran sign deal to build small nuclear power plants: What to know As Iran grapples with energy shortages and renewed sanctions pressure, Tehran and Moscow signed a memorandum Wednesday to expand nuclear cooperation through the construction of small nuclear power plants. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Turkey’s Erdogan eyes F-35s, Kurdish concessions in White House visit Syria and Israel near de-escalation pact; Trump slams allies’ Palestine recognition as 'reward' to Hamas; and more. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Analysis As states recognize Palestine, Netanyahu seeks Trump nod on annexation As he seeks to retaliate against France and other countries for recognizing Palestine, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unlikely to announce annexation measures without first securing President Donald Trump's approval. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey touts gas, trade deals ahead of Erdogan-Trump summit The flurry of agreements comes as the Turkish leader looks to press the US president on fighter jets and Kurdish policy in Thursday's meeting. Turkey