Israel fears US deal would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium Israel fears the US-Saudi civilian nuclear deal could pave the way for uranium enrichment not only by the Saudis but also by other countries in the region. Israel
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump threatens Iran bridges, power plants over Hormuz attacks US, Saudi Arabia to sign nuclear agreement; Lebanon PM says Beirut working for 'complete Israeli withdrawal'; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Explainer Why US-Saudi nuclear deal could encounter hurdles in Congress The agreement is likely to face questions in Congress over whether its nonproliferation safeguards are sufficient, as well as over Riyadh’s stated interest in acquiring nuclear weapons if Iran does, concerns over its human rights record and its ties with China. United States
Explainer How US bid prevailed over China, France, Russia in Saudi nuclear deal The Trump administration has made American nuclear technology a major priority with an $80 billion investment in the sector, including nearly $18 billion in loans to Westinghouse Electric Company to develop its AP1000 reactor lines. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Why Mamdani concluded he can’t arrest Israel’s PM Netanyahu By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Man admits asking Gaetz's father for $25M to find FBI agent in Iran, denies extortion Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent believed to have died in Iranian custody, is now wrapped up in Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz's legal drama. Iran
US aircraft carrier returns to Middle East as Suez Canal opens The USS Eisenhower arrives in the Gulf region as the Biden administration kicks off indirect talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Iran
State Department says Israel 'occupied' West Bank and Gaza A State Department spokesman said it is a "historical fact" that Israel occupied the Palestinian Territories in 1967 following a report from the department that retained some Trump administration language on the issue that is closer to Israel's position. United States
Intel: US pledges nearly $600M in humanitarian aid to Syria The Biden administration is also calling on the UN Security Council to allow the free flow of aid to opposition-held parts of Syria. Syria
In rebuke to Russia, Blinken presses UN to quit politicizing Syria aid Blinken called on the UN Security Council to reauthorize a cross-border aid operation into Syria despite Russian and Chinese opposition. Syria
House committee votes to repeal Iraq war military authorization The resolution will next head to the full House for a vote. Bipartisan support for repealing the authorization pertaining to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq gained steam following the February US airstrikes in Syria, which the president approved without consulting Congress. Iraq
Senators endorse new, broader deal on Iranian policy A group of Democratic and Republican senators asked President Biden to reach an agreement with Iran that restricts Iran's regional and missile policies in addition to its nuclear program. Some US progressives oppose this, and it could be difficult to accomplish with Tehran. Washington Pulse
USAID nominee takes questions on Yemen, Libya, and Israel at Senate hearing Former UN Ambassador Samantha Power, who is nominated to head the US government’s international development agency, was asked about Yemen, Libya and Israel before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Washington Pulse
As Biden reviews drone use, report highlights civilian toll in Yemen A report by an independent Yemen-based organization details the civilian cost of US drone strikes in Yemen. Yemen
Iran’s supreme leader authorized infowar campaign during US election Hezbollah and Russia also spread disinformation to try to influence the 2020 presidential election, a newly released US intelligence report says. Russia
Biden leaves Syria on back burner as war marks 10 years In his first months in office, President Joe Biden's team has signaled that Syria’s civil war won’t be among his top foreign policy priorities. Syria