Analysis CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US strikes Iran tankers as UAE reports fresh missile, drone attacks Strikes on Iranian tankers and fresh exchanges in the Gulf escalate tensions as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a deal proposal. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response US strikes and renewed exchanges in Hormuz cast doubt on the ceasefire as the Trump administration awaits Tehran’s response to a new proposal. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis China shores up Iran support as Trump seeks exit China understands how badly Trump wants an exit from the conflict. But timing is critical: if no agreement is reached before Trump arrives in China on Thursday, Beijing would be better positioned to set the agenda. By Joyce Karam
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hezbollah commanders killed as renewed strikes test Lebanon-Israel talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iran says special channel for trade with Europe almost set up Iranian officials have said that the European Union is in the final stages of implementing a special channel of trade with Iran. United States
US Syria envoy heads to Turkey after criticizing peace initiative Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu dismissed a call by President Donald Trump’s representative to “pull the plug” on negotiations with Russia and Iran, arguing it’s Syria’s best shot at a political resolution. Syria
Israel rejects international immigration pact In rejecting the United Nations new convention on migration, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made common cause with right-wing governments in the West but appears to remain at a loss about how to handle illegal immigrants in Israel. Israel
Will Egyptian move to curb imports stoke inflation? Egyptian authorities floated the customs foreign exchange rate for non-basic commodities in a move aimed at curbing imports and demand for the US dollar while hopefully boosting local production of substitutes. Egypt
Israel boycott movement takes on US law enforcement Several US police departments are ending training in Israel amid pressure from pro-Palestinian activists as pro-Israel groups explore legal countermeasures. Palestine
Congress weighs rushing Israel anti-boycott bill by year’s end Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., wants to attach controversial anti-boycott legislation before the end of the year by attaching it to a must-pass spending bill. Palestine
Congress grills incoming Middle East commander on Yemen On the heels of a vote to end support to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, senators grilled President Trump’s choice to lead US troops in the Middle East about America’s role in the conflict. Saudi Arabia
Asia buoys Iran as US sanctions hit Iran is still selling considerable quantities of oil to China, Japan, India and South Korea thanks to US waivers and other mechanisms to circumvent sanctions. Iraq
Saudi Arabia's estrangement Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman got into the G-20 group photo, but his brand remains very toxic. Saudi Arabia
US Syria envoy: Let's pull the plug on Russia-led talks US Syria envoy James Jeffrey would like incoming UN Syria envoy Geir Pederson to have a clear path for negotiating a solution for Syria. Syria
Iran says missile tests do not violate UN resolution Iran has denied it violated a UN resolution and said that missile tests would continue. United States
Does PA want to share Russian support with Hamas? It seems Russia is taking its time before translating its support to the Palestinians into real policymaking on the ground. Palestine