Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington. Washington Pulse
US, Israel hold second virtual meeting on Rafah Biden administration officials have denied offering to green-light an Israeli invasion of Rafah if Israel holds off on retaliating against Iran. Washington Pulse
State Department staffer resigns over Biden's handling of Gaza Annelle Sheline is the second State Department official to publicly resign since Oct. 7, citing the erosion of US credibility on human rights in the Middle East as a result of the war. Washington Pulse
US Navy plans for smaller fleet amid spending caps despite Middle East crisis Facing budget caps and new procurement delays, the Navy is poised to reduce the overall size of its fleet even as attacks by Iran and its proxies in Yemen have led to unprecedented disruptions of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Washington Pulse
Exclusive US government employees plan walkout over Biden’s Gaza policies By Joyce Karam , Elizabeth Hagedorn
House begins to weigh next steps on Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of May 11. Congress
Iran review bill approval sets up partisan battle Senate passage of congressional review legislation presages a bitter vote over Iran negotiations in the event of a final deal. Iran
Congress ponders next step for rejecting Iran deal Republicans won't let a veto threat stop them from voicing their opposition. Congress
Arab states worry over Senate's 'Jewish State' debate An Iran bill amendment could create an uncomfortable precedent for Arab allies of the United States. Israel
Congress gives Egypt a pass on religious rights violations Lawmakers praise Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as a far better alternative than the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
MEK uses congressional spotlight to push regime change in Iran The Iranian dissident group's leader told lawmakers that Tehran's mullahs are an inspiration for Islamists everywhere. Iran
Congressional invite to MEK sparks furious backlash Former State Department officials are refusing to testify alongside Mujahedeen-e-Khalq leader Maryam Rajavi. Congress
Defense bill recognizes Iraq's Kurdish, Sunni militias as a 'country' The draft House bill carves out 25% of anti-Islamic State funding for the peshmerga and Sunni tribes. Iraq
Will Iran review bill survive Senate? A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of April 27. Regional
MEK leader to testify before Congress Maryam Rajavi will discuss the threat the Islamic State poses to members of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK) at Camp Liberty. Iraq
Congressional terror finance task force targets Iran The potential lifting of sanctions has led Congress to seek other avenues to block Tehran from funding terror. Congress
Defense bill takes aim at Iran The must-pass legislation requires Pentagon strategy for countering Iran's "growing unconventional warfare capabilities." Iraq
