Lebanon's new army chief to make first visit to US: What to know

Regional and international diplomatic activity in Lebanon is increasing as concerns of a new war between Israel and Hezbollah mount, with Washington working to maintain the ceasefire.

Lebanon

Iran judicial chief orders crackdown on women defying hijab law: What to know

Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei also called for legal action against the United States over the June strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran

Syria FM visits China as Beijing presses Damascus on Uyghur fighters, TIP

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani pledged that his country would not allow foreign fighters to “exploit its territory to carry out activities” that would harm Chinese security.

Syria

Analysis

Saudi Arabia's MBS on 'comeback tour' in first US visit since Khashoggi murder

President Donald Trump will host Saudi Arabia's de facto leader for talks focused on deepening US-Saudi ties, Gaza diplomacy and reciprocal investments.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Germany lifts Israel arms embargo: What changed in Berlin?

With the ceasefire in place, even though violated at times, Berlin decided to lift the partial arms embargo it imposed on Israel.

Israel

Analysis

Could ongoing Iran-IAEA stalemate risk new war?

Iran's standoff with the UN nuclear watchdog has sharpened after Tehran blocked inspections and dismissed Western calls for compliance.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Turkey to navigate enduring Iranian influence in Iraq following elections

Ankara will have to navigate Iran-aligned factions’ influence in Iraq while safeguarding strategic ties and ongoing cooperation with Baghdad.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Turkey's Gaza ambitions grow as Israel's pushback hardens: Can US mediate?

Ankara is expanding its influence in Gaza through aid and mediation amid Israeli wariness, heightening tensions that the United States is working to keep in check.

By Rina Bassist , Ezgi Akin

Fed up with Netanyahu, more Israelis seek European passports

The number of Israelis seeking European passports has increased considerably in a trend that has continued even after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement.

Israel

Israel condemns Syria over purported Oct. 7 musical event: What to know

Israel, which has tense relations with Syria's new government, condemned a concert allegedly commemorating Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, though the event was reportedly cancelled.

Syria

Iran accused of seizing vessel in Strait of Hormuz diverted from UAE

An oil tanker sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands through the Strait of Hormuz was diverted into Iranian territorial waters on Friday, amid suspicions that it was intercepted by Iran.

Iran

Analysis

Ahead of MBS visit, Saudis link Israel normalization to 3 asks from Trump

President Donald Trump would clearly like to say he persuaded Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize ties, but neither Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seem ready to make the necessary compromises.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense