Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Iran operating new advanced centrifuges, nuclear watchdog finds According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran is now using IR-4 centrifuges to enrich uranium in violation of the nuclear accord. Iran
UN says Libya arms embargo 'totally ineffective' A United Nations panel of experts accused several member states, including Turkey and Russia, of fueling the Libyan conflict. Libya
Iran may use nuclear deal structure to try to isolate US Foreign Minister Zarif has said Iran may file a complaint against Trump’s sanctions violations with the JCPOA’s Joint Commission. United States
Top Iran officials wary of Europe after US deal withdrawal Iranian officials expressed doubt about reaching an agreement with Europe to keep the JCPOA in place following the US withdrawal. Iran
Moscow’s Iraq strategy: Make lots of friends Russia’s approach in Iraq and the region involves comprehensive cooperation with as many players as possible. Iraq
Trump, Netanyahu coordination goes beyond Iran deal Having coordinated the US repudiation of the Iranian nuclear deal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump has also offered Netanyahu "full and total" US military and diplomatic support in case of a regional war. Israel
Divided Republicans struggle to formulate post-Iran deal policy While some GOP leaders cautioned President Donald Trump against withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, others praised the move and pushed for new sanctions — and even a war authorization. Congress
Pentagon braces for Iranian response to Trump withdrawal from deal The US president’s decision to reimpose sanctions is sparking concerns that Tehran could retaliate against US assets and allies. United States
Some Iranians say nuclear deal can survive if Europe cooperates Some Iranian officials and analysts say that Tehran should remain in the nuclear deal with the European Union if Europe stands up to US pressure to end the agreement. United States
Hamas accuses PA intelligence of bombing PM's convoy Gaza's Interior Ministry claimed senior intelligence figures from Ramallah were behind the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, yet the timing of the announcement has raised questions. Palestine
EU divided over efforts to appease Trump on Iran deal Trump’s push for increased European pressure on Iran over its regional policies and missile program has caused divisions within the European Union, ultimately limiting the efforts of the E3. Iran
Congress nudges Trump toward Gulf missile defense Congress is trying to revive US-led talks for a GCC-wide missile shield against Iran that have stalled amid tensions with Qatar. Legacy: Gulf
Netanyahu’s Iran revelations spark furor in Israel Some prominent figures in the Israeli security community believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was motivated by politics in revealing the Mossad operation to retrieve Iranian nuclear program materials and view his public acknowledgment as a major mistake. Israel
Electoral commission attack destabilizes shaky situation in Libya The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the May 2 attack on Libya’s High National Election Commission headquarters in Tripoli, raising more security concerns for the upcoming elections. Libya
