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
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
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
US to exempt eight nations from Iran sanctions snapback US sanctions on Iran's oil exports go into effect Nov. 5, though the United States has issued sanctions waivers for eight unidentified countries. United States
Trump, Netanyahu use synagogue shooting to cement alliance President Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu’s government are using this week’s massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue to cement support for each other. Israel
Annual US-Gulf gathering treats Khashoggi death as mere speed bump in relations The mood at this year’s National Council on US-Arab Relations conference was defensive but upbeat. Saudi Arabia
Pompeo, Mattis call for Yemen cease-fire, back UN talks The US secretaries of state and defense threw their support behind the United Nations Yemen envoy’s calls for a cessation of hostilities and for Yemen peace talks to be held in Sweden in November. Yemen
