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
Kushner rejects calls to delay release of Mideast peace plan Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, said Thursday the Trump administration would issue its Middle East peace plan, though several regional experts have argued that the plan's release would cause more harm. Palestine
Democrats move to defund Yemen war after veto defeat After failing to override a presidential veto on ending US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, Congress is looking for new ways to tie the Trump administration’s hands. Saudi Arabia
Trump allies push back on Muslim Brotherhood terror designation Even some hawkish lawmakers question the legal validity and political wisdom of a blanket designation. Egypt
US envoy kicks off Syria safe zone talks in Ankara According to Turkish reports, US Syria envoy Jim Jeffrey discussed the contentious safe zone as well as "operations east of the Euphrates" with officials in Ankara, but deep differences between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds make a deal look just as remote as ever. Syria
Libya signs $2 million lobbying deal as Trump warms to rival strongman The UN-recognized Government of National Accord has signed a massive deal with Mercury Public Affairs as Khalifa Hifter’s forces threaten Tripoli. Libya
Saudi-led coalition begins paying US back for overdue Yemen war bills Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are on the hook for a $299 million billing error for aerial refueling. Originals
US sends Syria envoy to Ankara ahead of Geneva talks US Syria envoy Jim Jeffrey is expected to meet with Turkish officials to discuss the US-backed Kurdish militants along its border as part of his continuing efforts to arrange a safe zone in the area. Syria
Trump pressed to punish Saudi Arabia over religious intolerance A federal commission on religious freedom wants the president to end a decadelong pass for Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Zarif says 'negotiating table is there' Speaking to journalists at the Iranian mission to the UN, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif revealed details about correspondence with the Donald Trump administration over a potential prisoner exchange. United States
Syria drawdown raises security risks for US troops The Donald Trump administration’s drawdown in Syria threatens to disrupt a fragile balance where US troops trade military power for Kurdish protection. Syria
Biden’s pro-Israel record could help with defense of Iran nuclear deal The former vice president’s foreign policy experience and pro-Israel credentials could make him an effective supporter of the Iran deal but open him up to attacks from the left. United States
