Middle East
US-Saudi civil nuclear pact nears signing without toughest safeguards urged by Democrats
A State Department letter dated May 18 to Democratic Senator Edward Markey says the pact only requires Washington and Riyadh to forge a less onerous "bilateral safeguards agreement."
Why did Gulf states ask Trump to hold off on Iran strikes? - analysis
Evolving regional economic opportunities
Turkey’s strategy for long-term dominance in the Middle East - opinion
Iraq condemns drone attacks on Saudi Arabia amid US pressure on Iranian-backed militias
Iraq condemned recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, vowed cooperation in the investigation, and moved to distance Iranian-backed militias amid growing US pressure.
At least two lightly wounded following drone explosion in northern Israel with no sirens
Earlier today, the IDF intercepted a "suspicious aerial target" launched at an IDF position in southern Lebanon, and no sirens sounded, as is protocol.
IDF has destroyed 60% of Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, senior commander says
Up to the Forward Defense Line forces aim to destroy enemy infrastructure and clear the area of militants. Beyond the Forward Defense Line, operations are conducted in a targeted manner.
Does pragmatism mean we must accept Hamas as part of Gaza’s future? - opinion
Despite talk of transition, doubts remain about Hamas’s willingness to truly relinquish control in Gaza.
Nearly 80% of Gazans open to emigrating from Strip, COGAT survey finds - exclusive
Nearly 80% of respondents sought information on relocating through Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, according to findings presented to senior Israeli officials
Hamas names former intelligence head Mohammed Ouda as new leader of military wing - report
Ouda was reportedly offered the role of military head after the assassination of Mohammed Sinwar in May of 2025, but turned it down.
Kurdish-US partnership under strain amid regional rivalries, accusations - opinion
Kurdish leaders warn of rising mistrust with Washington amid accusations, regional rivalries, and fears of shifting US alliances in the Middle East.
Could Pakistan's reported sending forces to Saudi Arabia change regional power balance? - analysis
The deployment includes “8,000 troops, JF-17 jets, drones, HQ-9 air defense system,” and Pakistan will operate the military platforms.
Syria joins G7 finance sessions in Paris in sign of legitimization
The two-day G7 finance chiefs' meeting is dominated by global economic imbalances, trade tensions, and the fallout from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
France’s latest bid to broker Israel-Palestinian peace not likely to work - opinion
France is hosting another two-state summit, reviving decades of diplomacy that have rarely produced tangible results.
