Trump 'has not made a decision' on Iran, Rubio tells press
A question was posed as to how the US planned to assist its allies in the region over the Iranian threat, with Rubio responding that "we're doing it now."
Middle East
Araghchi says Vance's letter 'positive step' toward opening dialogue between Iran, US
Khamenei: IRGC will have 'immediate, unrestricted response' to any US, Israeli threats
New Saudi luxury airline forced to cancel, redivert flights under Houthi attacks - report
Besieged by the Houthis, Yemen’s Taiz is teetering on the edge of humanitarian catastrophe
BEHIND THE LINES: The Houthis have cut off every main route out of Taiz, leaving food stocks nearly exhausted and 12 hospitals hours from running out of fuel.
Egyptian foreign minister 'extremely worried' US-Iran escalation will have major impact on Mideast
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Saturday he was "extremely worried" that a new round of escalation in the war between the United States and Iran would be more destructive and have a m
Qatari mediators hold over 12 hours of talks aimed at renewing direct US-Iran negotiations
A diplomatic source told Axios that Qatari mediators were in contact with the White House over the course of Friday’s talks and that “there was positive progress" in the effort to reach a deal.
US conducting nightly missions to enforce Hormuz blockade, straining aircraft, crew - report
Despite the success of the nightly operations, US officials familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal that the frequency of flight operations has put a strain on aircraft and crew members.
Al Jazeera airs rare footage of Muhammad Deif, documents detailing October 7 attack plans
The footage showed Hamas commanders meeting in tunnels before October 7 and Muhammad Deif, underground during the war, alongside documents allegedly detailing preparations for the attack.
US orders non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia over security risks
US government employees require special authorization to use Saudi airports following recent missile and drone attacks, the embassy said, warning US citizens of potential further attacks.
Pakistan military 'cautiously optimistic' on Iran-US mediation
Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir – Pakistan's chief mediator in its efforts to de-escalate the now eight-month-old Iran war – has been to Tehran twice this month, most recently on Monday.
Vance offers to meet with former IRGC commander Rezaei as Pentagon preps new attack - report
US intelligence officials assess that Rezaei maintains regular contact with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The two are believed to have spoken in recent days, after the American letter arrived.
Houthis continue to engage in ‘fierce battles’ in mountains near Aden, Taiz - report
The war for Yemen could also affect talks in Tehran, with any talks with Iran taking the Houthis into account.
French jihadists clashes with Syrian authorities show Al-Sharaa's struggle for control - analysis
“For three months now, you have besieged us, imposing an embargo and stepping up surveillance. We have committed no act to justify such hostility,” the jihadist group said in a statement on Telegram.
