Saad Hariri signals political comeback ahead of Lebanon elections - analysis
Hariri is angling to return to politics as he marks the 21st anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Middle East
‘We are prepared to move from defense to offense’: Israel signals harder line in Gaza
Afghanistan marks Soviet withdrawal anniversary as Taliban rule draws global scrutiny
Damascus says it took over Ash Shaddadi base as part of US-coordination framework
Taliban will offer aid to Tehran if US strikes Iran, group spokesperson confirms
Mujahid clarified that the Taliban would show sympathy and possibly cooperate with Iran if requested, but the group is not committing to joining a retaliatory war against the US.
EU warns Iranian regime's protest crackdowns may constitute crimes against humanity
The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for an end to the violence and repression, “including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture.”
Officials signal delays ahead for Trump’s Gaza ceasefire Phase II
Recently, top IDF sources predicted it would take months before the Palestinian technocratic committee would actually start to have a concrete impact on the Palestinians' lives in Gaza.
NCAG chief admits he threw stones at Israeli soldiers in Gaza when he was 'still young'
“I actually was the organizer of this activity or this national act in the city of Khan Yunis [in the Gaza Strip]," Chief Commissioner Ali Shaath said in an interview.
IDF links Hamas command activity to Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza
Nasser Hospital was used as a command center by Hamas, the IDF said, following MSF’s decision to halt noncritical medical activity due to armed presence.
Trump, Netanyahu agree to increase economic pressure on Iran, primarly targeting oil to China
If China decides not to source its oil from Iran, economic pressure on Tehran would increase significantly
Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US
Iran and the US renewed negotiations earlier this month to tackle their decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear program and avert a new military confrontation.
Moving suspected ISIS prisoners to Iraq shows Washington doesn’t fully trust Damascus, expert says
Professor Eytan Gilboa warned that Tehran may pressure Iraq to allow the country to become a ground to challenge the Sharaa regime.
Iraq's Kurds emerge as Middle East's key diplomatic players at Munich Security Council - analysis
The KRG has helped smooth the transition in eastern Syria by working with Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, also hosting US forces and other anti-ISIS coalition forces.
Israel moves sweets, energy drinks into Gaza ahead of Ramadan 'at Trump’s request' - exclusive
Israel agreed to ease restrictions on bringing sweets into Gaza "at Trump's request," a source said • Food-sector businessman: “Candy and chocolates, have we lost our minds?
