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 votes to end US role in Yemen war despite Trump veto threat The House voted Wednesday to end US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Trump allies hijack Warsaw summit with calls for Iran war, regime change Giuliani's meeting with Iranian opposition group and Israeli prime minister's tweet about war with Iran gets conference on promoting peace in the Middle East off to problematic start. Yemen
Trump blows off congressionally mandated Yemen certification The Donald Trump administration does not plan to provide Congress with a certification allowing US involvement in Yemen, barring the Pentagon from providing refueling again. Saudi Arabia
Intel: How an Air Force vet’s indictment reveals US vulnerability to Iranian cyber-espionage Originals
Gingrich considered registering as a lobbyist for Iran regime change The former House speaker sought advice late last year on whether to register as a foreign agent for the Iranian opposition. United States
Navy's reversal on 355-ship goal raises doubts on countering Iran The US Navy will re-evaluate plans to grow its force to 355 ships, a move that could upset the Fifth Fleet’s Middle East strategy. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt parts ways with top lobbyist days after '60 Minutes' debacle Cairo and the Glover Park Group have ended a relationship that began after the 2013 coup. Egypt
Trump, touting gains over IS, focuses on Syria exit Speaking to diplomats attending a ministerial meeting of the 79-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS today, President Trump said a formal announcement would come next week that 100% of the terror group's territory had been liberated. Syria
Congress puts heat on Saudis as Trump shields crown prince With President Donald Trump set to blow off a deadline to assess Prince Mohammed’s role in Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, Congress is gearing up to pass several anti-Riyadh measures. Saudi Arabia
Iranian opposition unwelcome at Pompeo’s anti-Iran bash Iranian opposition gets left out of meeting on Iran taking place in Poland next week. Legacy: Gulf
Rep. Gabbard and Syrian Kurdish leader make for odd State of the Union pair The 2020 presidential contender will be joined by a leader of the US-backed Syrian Kurds for President Trump’s big speech. Syria
Senate’s first anti-BDS bill faces uncertain future in House The Senate has passed its first bill clamping down on the pro-Palestinian boycott movement, but House Democrats aren’t committing to a floor vote. Palestine
