Interview Trump's Africa adviser denies Libya plan would entrench rival families The reported unification plan for Libya has been met with pushback in a country torn apart by rival factions and foreign interference.
Analysis Can Netanyahu turn Israel's UN isolation into strength at home? The absence of a Trump meeting would have been awkward for Netanyahu, who has long portrayed himself to Israeli voters as uniquely close to the US president. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
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
Erdogan plays big: A grand bargain in Syria with Trump and Putin? Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plays a big gambit with American and Russian counterparts, but can he win? Syria
Turkey praises 'overdue' US bounties for PKK leaders Ankara is pleased with Washington's offer of high bounties for three top Kurdistan Workers Party leaders, but the move won't buy forgiveness for the US alliance with Syrian Kurds. Turkey
Iran says not pinning hopes on Dems winning midterms Despite Democrats winning the US midterm vote, Iran says it makes no difference who takes over Congress, citing decadeslong hostility by Democrats and Republicans alike. United States
Erdogan slams US-Kurdish patrols near Syria border In a speech to parliament, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan chastised the United States for supporting Kurdish militias in Syria and reimposing “imperialist” sanctions on Iran. Saudi Arabia
Iranians deride US 'gaffes' in sanctions list While reimposed US sanctions on Iran must be biting economically, defiant Iranians, including their foreign minister, found relief of sorts in a US Treasury list that banned a sunken oil tanker. United States
US gives Iraqis an out on Iran sanctions Although Iraq continues to accuse Washington of meddling in its internal affairs, both countries have made concessions on Iran sanctions. Iraq
Iran to fight US sanctions but will leave door open for talks Iranian officials are striking a defiant tone as US sanctions are reimposed on Iran, but they aren't closing the door to future talks with the United States. United States
Will Oman broker Israeli-Palestinian peace talks? The Sultanate of Oman has been making the headlines by receiving Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, followed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, raising speculation about an Omani mediation to advance the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis. Oman
Saudi Arabia ignores Trump administration on Yemen US officials have called for confidence-building measures leading up to peace talks for Yemen, but the Saudis don't seem to be listening. Saudi Arabia
Middle East upheaval casts shadow over 'Arab NATO' A regional military exercise hosted by Egypt excludes Qatar in a blow to anti-Iran unity. Legacy: Gulf