Analysis How Larijani's killing could narrow diplomatic offramps for Iran war The IRGC, already strengthened by its central role in the war and its ties to newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, may consolidate further influence over security and foreign policy. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
MAGA split emerges in Trump's base as Joe Kent resigns over Iran war The head of the US National Counterterrorism Center’s departure is the latest sign of waning influence among the administration’s anti-war MAGA figures amid the conflict with Iran. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Syrian authorities restrict alcohol sales in Damascus: What to know The new rule has added to concern over the socially conservative Islamist underpinnings of Syria's new leadership. Syria
Kuwait arrests 16 over alleged Hezbollah links, including 14 nationals Lebanon pledged its full cooperation with Kuwait after the arrests and praised the Gulf state's actions. Kuwait
Analysis Why Iran sees UAE as attractive target in war against US, Israel By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
UAE launches 25-year climate plan for Abu Dhabi: What to know The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan sets out a road map to address the growing impacts of climate change through 2050. United Arab Emirates
2 Iranian border guards killed in Kurdistan province: What to know Iraq agreed to move Iranian Kurdish groups farther from the border in 2023, but some clashes have occurred since then. Iran
Turkey, UK near deal as Germany approves Eurofighter sale: What to know Turkey and the United Kingdom inked a preliminary agreement for the sale of 40 Eurofighter jets after Germany lifted its hold on the deal. Turkey
Newsletter: Gulf Gulf defense spending surges The UAE and Saudi Arabia are staging a notable presence at IDEF 2025, Turkey’s major defense industry exhibition taking place in Istanbul. Both nations are leveraging the expo to reinforce regional partnerships and solidify new joint ventures. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis Broken dams, broken trust: How Iran’s water crisis and heatwave have sparked emergency Water and electricity shortages are reaching crisis levels across Iran, triggering widespread public service disruptions and forcing industrial closures. As reservoirs rapidly deplete and rolling blackouts increase, mismanagement and delayed reforms are being laid bare. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
What to make of Egypt's removal of Alaa Abdel-Fattah from terror list An Egyptian court has removed a prominent jailed activist from the country's terrorism list amid scrutiny over Egypt’s human rights record under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Analysis 'Cannot take our eyes off the ball:' Israel mulls next move as E3 preps Iran nuclear talks While the Israeli and US strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities caused significant damage, they did not fully destroy them. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
‘We will intervene’: Turkey’s Fidan warns against dividing Syria Ankara threatens action against the Kurdish-led SDF as the US pushes for the group’s integration into a post-regime Damascus. Turkey
US to withdraw from UNESCO over 'anti-Israel rhetoric' The State Department slammed the UN organization's “globalist, ideological agenda." United States
Suwayda violence boosts Kurds’ leverage as US Syria envoy, SDF chief meet Syria's Kurds remain hesitant about integration with Damascus as interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa struggles with unrest in Suwayda. Syria
Iran, Russia launch naval drills ahead of trilateral nuclear talks with China Naval forces from Iran and Russia begin joint military drills in the Caspian Sea, reflecting deepening ties between the two countries that come just weeks after Iran’s 12-day war with Israel and the collapse of nuclear talks with the United States. Iran
Citing security threats, Sudan blocks WhatsApp calls: What to know The restriction comes as Sudan's civil war continues to devastate telecommunications infrastructure. Sudan