Sudan pushes back after US calls army-led government illegitimate Washington appears to be turning up the pressure on the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces to accept a US ceasefire proposal he rejected in July. Sudan
Rubio: US-Iran talks 'positive,' no breakthrough yet The top US diplomat said it was "significant" the two warring sides spoke at all. Iran
Pezeshkian says Iran open to US talks, region must settle own disputes “Our regional issues must be resolved in the region at the hands of the countries in the region,” Iran's president said on Wednesday. Iran
Trump tells Middle East leaders US-Iran talks have ‘momentum’ Trump hosted top officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council states, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq on the sidelines of UN General Assembly. United States
Analysis Why Netanyahu is distancing himself from Trump ahead of Israeli election By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing UAE's Gargash expects 'prolonged' war By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Exclusive Turkey, US resume F-16 talks ahead of expected Trump-Erdogan meeting By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Kushner's clues to peace deal raise more questions than answers White House senior adviser Jared Kushner recently talked about the administration's long-awaited Mideast peace plan, saying Gaza and the West Bank must be united under one leadership, which raised speculation and doubt in Palestinian circles. Palestine
Russia's plan for IS returnees no better than that of others Moscow criticizes the Europeans for refusing to assume their share of responsibility for their nationals who ended up with the Islamic State, but Russia's own practice is flawed, too. Iraq
Salih: Iraq can be a 'bridge to the economies of the region' Iraqi president charts new direction for Iraqi foreign policy based on "interrelated interests" at Sulaimani Forum; Iraq-Jordan trade deal should help address Jordan’s unemployment crisis; Rouhani arrives in Iraq to boost trade; US shifted arms from Iraq to Syria in second half of 2018. Iraq
Plan to charge allies for US troop presence carries risks for Americans in North Africa US President Donald Trump’s reported plan to charge allies for US military bases could make it harder to protect diplomats and embassies throughout Africa. Libya
What was Hamas’ Haniyeh doing in Egypt for 25 days? Although Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s long visit to Egypt achieved positive results, including the release of four Hamas members abducted in 2015, many pending issues remain unresolved. Palestine
Saudi investment fund hires US PR firm to create distance from crown prince New York-based Karv Communications will be paid $120,000 a month to “create a clear distinction” between the $200 billion fund and its embattled chairman. Saudi Arabia
Turkey dismisses US threat about buying Russian S-400 air defense system Turkey does not appear to be budging from its purchase of S-400 air-defense missiles from Russia despite US threats to cancel delivery of F-35 jets Turkey has ordered. Turkey
US struggles to get European troops for Syria European allies are wary of committing troops for a Syria mission when the Donald Trump administration has given conflicting signals about its engagement in Syria. Syria
US government no longer excludes MEK as leadership option for Iran The group, once on a State Department list of terrorist organizations, has influential supporters in the Donald Trump administration. United States
As Iran mulls joining financial watchdog, Israel sees win-win situation If Iran joins the FATF anti-money laundering organization, the Islamic Republic might find it harder to fund militant organizations in the region, but if Iran does not join, it may lose what few international banking connections it already has. Israel
US diplomats speak out against closure of Palestine mission Several former US diplomats have expressed anger and disappointment over the administration’s decision to merge the mission that handled diplomatic contacts with Palestinians with its new embassy in Jerusalem. Palestine
Kuwait’s steady hand in Gulf affairs Amid disputes among the GCC states and beyond, Kuwait's efforts to bridge regional and international approaches to diplomacy remain vital. Legacy: Gulf