Tulsi Gabbard resigns as top US intelligence official: What to know US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard cites her husband’s bone cancer diagnosis as reason for stepping down. United States
Analysis Erdogan’s CHP move raises early poll prospects as Iran war bleeds Turkey’s economy A court move targeting Turkey’s main opposition party, combined with mounting economic pressure linked to the Iran conflict, is raising expectations of an early vote that could extend President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rule. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis As Pakistan military chief holds Iran talks, Israel's Netanyahu fears being left out US President Donald Trump's comment that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would do "whatever I want” is troubling the premier's inner circle ahead of the elections in October. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lebanon’s military hits back at US sanctions, says loyalty 'solely to the nation' Lebanon’s army and General Security stressed that their members remain loyal state institutions, responding to US sanctions that for the first time targeted security officers for alleged ties to Hezbollah. Lebanon
Three years after Mahsa Amini's death, Iran faces movement it can't crush Three years after an Iranian woman’s death in hijab police custody sparked the “Women, Life, Freedom” women’s rights movement, the Iranian regime is faltering under mounting crises. Iran
Syria, Jordan, US unveil road map to stabilize Suwayda after clashes: What to know The news comes along with reports that Syria has withdrawn heavy weaponry from the south, seemingly complying with Israel's demands for a demilitarized zone in southern Syria. Syria
Armenia's Pashinyan drops Mount Ararat from border stamps in 'concession' to Turkey Armenia’s government will stop using Mount Ararat on border stamps starting in November, a move that has stirred outrage at home and fueled debate over Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s outreach to Turkey. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel launches 'significant' Gaza City operation Rubio asks Qatar to stay on as mediator after Israel strike; Greece, Cyprus try to block Turkey from $170B EU defense scheme; and more. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Iran’s Larijani meets MBS, Saudi defense chiefs in Riyadh: What to know The trip is Ali Larijani’s third since he returned to head the Supreme National Security Council and follows Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian calling for greater unity in the region. Iran
UAE’s MBZ meets Azerbaijan's Aliyev as Abu Dhabi expands South Caucasus footprint In July, Azerbaijan and the UAE signed an economic partnership agreement and Abu Dhabi hosted peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. United Arab Emirates
Beirut blast: 5 years on, Bulgaria arrest marks breakthrough in renewed probe Bulgarian police have arrested the owner of a ship tied to the 2020 Beirut port blast as the resumed investigation progresses. Lebanon
Lebanon announces 6.5M Captagon pills seized: What to know Lebanese authorities said they are coordinating with their neighbors to dismantle the drug trade as neighboring Syria steps up its own efforts following border clashes. Lebanon
Arab, Islamic leaders urge 'review' of Israel ties at emergency summit after Doha strikes The meeting comes less than a week after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Hamas’ leadership in Doha, a move Gulf states say poses a serious threat to regional security. Qatar
Cholera kills 25 in two days in Sudan's Darfur amid deepening war The town of Tawila has been the hardest hit in Darfur, with 58 new cholera cases reported on Sunday alone. Sudan
Israeli student found guilty of spying for Iran: What to know The conviction of the 22-year-old Jewish religious student comes as Iran expands efforts to recruit both Jews and Arabs in Israel. Israel
Ankara shrugs as Greece, Cyprus try to block Turkey from $170B EU defense scheme The European Union faces fresh tensions as Greece resists Turkey’s effort to tap into a $170 billion defense fund, highlighting long-standing regional disputes. Turkey