Israel and Lebanon ambassadors set for historic meeting in Washington
Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors meet in Washington to discuss disarming Hezbollah and achieving peace, with the US mediating talks to ensure Israel’s long-term security.
Middle East
Iran’s oil minister: Crude sales remain strong, revenue to aid industry repairs
Chinese tanker sanctioned by US crosses Strait of Hormuz despite blockade
Vance says next step in negotiations up to Iran, US has all the cards with blockade in effect
US looks to restore freedom of navigation in Gulf, maintain its naval reputation - analysis
The US role in enabling ships to navigate the seas is a legacy of the British Empire's once-dominant role in the world economy and in safeguarding the seas.
US clearing out Strait of Hormuz, Trump claims as Iran threatens to attack unauthorized ships
Three US officials confirmed that two US Navy guided-missile destroyers passed through the strait without issue in what was described as a "freedom-of-navigation mission."
Iraq’s militia state: Shelly Kittleson’s kidnapping exposes who runs Baghdad
BEHIND THE LINES: Since October 2023, forces associated with the PMF – that is, affiliated with the government of Iraq – engaged in ongoing attacks against US personnel and positions.
No deal reached after talks with Iran, Vance says
According to Vance, Iran chose not to accept US terms, despite the US being "quite flexible."
Pakistan Defense Minister deletes anti-Israel post from X after diplomatic backlash
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif briefly posted a message on X accusing Israel of carrying out “genocide” and using language Israeli officials condemned as inflammatory and offensive.
US-Iran ceasefire pauses war - nuclear, Hormuz, and Lebanon issues remain
Israelis fear danger, Americans are concerned about exit as a tentative ceasefire takes shape.
US to demand freeing of American detainees in Iran as part of Islamabad negotiations - report
The Washington Post reported that it's not clear the grade of importance that the delegation, led by US Vice President JD Vance, will place on this demand.
Voices from the Arab press: Internal Arab fractures amid Iran war
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei suffers severe, disfiguring wounds, insiders report
Sources reveal that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is recovering from severe, disfiguring injuries following an airstrike that killed his father at the start of the war.
US says Iran lost track of mine locations spread in Strait of Hormuz, complicating reopening - NYT
The mines, which were laid by small boats and without a clear record of where they were placed, make the Strait of Hormuz almost impossible to transit.
