Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks A tentative diplomatic opening with Iran emerges as the US sustains its pressure campaign. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Ethiopia rejects Sudan's strike claims, accuses Khartoum of backing Tigray rebels Sudanese officials had earlier accused Ethiopia of involvement in drone strikes on its territory, including one on the country’s largest airport. Sudan
Two Iranians face US court in sanctions, arms trafficking cases: What to know The cases come as the United States pairs tighter sanctions with stepped-up enforcement targeting Iran’s global networks amid the war. Iran
MBS hosts Sudan's Burhan in Jeddah as $1.5B Saudi-backed arms deal stalls Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan traveled to Jeddah Monday for a visit that could be aimed at salvaging a $1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal Riyadh has reportedly blocked. Sudan
Analysis In Saudi Arabia, Erdogan fosters security alignment, $30B trade push By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
RSF shells Sudan’s Kordofan as US-Saudi truce plan stalls: What to know Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have launched drone and artillery attacks in Dilling, just a week after the Sudanese army said it broke a nearly two-year siege on the town. Sudan
Sudan's RSF says Chad border clashes 'unintentional' after 7 soldiers killed Chad, which Sudan’s government accuses of backing the paramilitary RSF, said that the incursion killed seven Chadian soldiers. Sudan
From Egypt to Lebanon: What’s at stake for regional states on Trump’s visa ban list? The State Department claimed that citizens from the affected countries are more likely to use social welfare services at a high rate. Algeria
UN envoy in Cairo for talks as Sudan war tops 1,000 days: What to know UN-led efforts to end Sudan’s war have stalled, with fighting continuing and negotiations making little headway. Sudan
US envoy pushes for Sudan truce in meeting with UAE’s MBZ after talks in Saudi Arabia Boulos’ meeting in Abu Dhabi follows discussions earlier this week in Riyadh, as the two Gulf countries navigate both Sudan diplomacy and a dispute over Yemen. Sudan
Saudi Arabia cements ties with Sudan during Burhan visit as UAE rivalry heats up The Sudanese leader may be looking to increase Saudi support following losses on the battlefield as Riyadh weighs its security interests in the country. Saudi Arabia
Culture Egypt’s koshary, Gulf’s bisht gain UNESCO recognition The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has added more than 10 cultural practices from across the Middle East and North Africa region this year. Egypt
RSF seizes Sudan’s largest oilfield: What to know The Heglig oil field is the largest in Sudan and a key facility for South Sudan, which relies heavily on Heglig to export its oil. Sudan
US envoy holds Sudan meetings in UAE as Burhan lashes out Sudan's army chief accused US envoy Massad Boulos of spreading UAE-backed narratives about the army, called Boulos’ proposal to end the war the “worst” yet and rejected any UAE role in mediating the conflict. Sudan
Analysis US options constrained in Sudan as RSF snubs Washington, sanctions fail Washington is attempting to broker a humanitarian truce between Sudan’s warring factions, but analysts warn there’s little sign either side is ready to stop fighting. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Sudan bans UAE's Sky News Arabia following el-Fasher coverage The ban follows a controversial Sky News Arabia report from el-Fasher, where the network’s journalist was seen engaging with an RSF member just weeks after the group captured the city amid allegations of massacres and war crimes. Sudan
Sudan PM orders state of alert as atrocity claims mount in Darfur The UN Security Council met Thursday to address reports of mass killings and alleged atrocities in el-Fasher following its capture by the Rapid Support Forces. Sudan
