In latest spending cut, Oman not renewing majority of foreign consultant contracts Contracts will not be renewed for at least 70% of foreign experts and consultants working for the Omani government. Oman
Netanyahu says Palestinians must ‘consent’ to Israeli security control The Israeli prime minister also discussed Palestinian citizenship and his critics on the right in an interview with Israel Hayom. Palestine
Intel: EU renews sanctions on Syrian regime The European Union renewed its sanctions against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for another year. Syria
Iran claims nuclear program will continue after end of US waivers Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization dismissed the decision by the United States to end waivers on cooperation involving the country's nuclear program and said the nation will be self-sufficient in those areas. United States
Turkey readies for 'new normal' after declaring success against coronavirus President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that a raft of restrictions imposed to curb the outbreak will be lifted next week as the country’s infection and death rates fall sharply. Turkey
Report: Russia building new military base in northeast Syria The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the news coincides with tensions between Kurdish and Russian forces over the M4 highway. Syria
Iran’s parliament taps hard-line former IRGC commander as speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the former national police chief and former mayor of the capital, Tehran, was selected as parliament speaker. Iran
Libya says oil blockade has cost $5 billion in lost revenue The Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation said the closure of oil facilities in January has led to billions in losses. Libya
More refugees in Lebanon test positive for COVID-19 The news of infections in the Syrian refugee community follows a handful of cases among Palestinian refugees last month. Lebanon
Iran arrests 'separatists' in southwest Khuzestan province Arab opposition groups are active in Iran's diverse and oil-rich area of Khuzestan, and a recent protest took place in the province against the lack of drinking water. Iran
Egypt registers highest number of coronavirus cases in single day Egyptian health officials reported 910 new cases Wednesday, bringing the total number of registered coronavirus infections in the country to more than 19,000. Egypt
Erdogan dedicates Turkish island project to hanged idol Turkey’s president says the island of Yassiada may become a Turkish Camp David, while critics slam the destruction of the landscape and archaeological heritage. Turkey
Despite criticism from abroad, Israelis united over annexation Israeli plans to annex the Jordan Valley and parts of the West Bank have drawn criticism from around the world, but most Israelis favor the goal. Palestine
Netanyahu not destabilized over Palestinians cutting security coordination The announcement by the Palestinian Authority of cutting security coordination and warnings by Jordan's King Abdullah have not destabilized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his settlement annexation plan. Palestine
Why is Erdogan afraid of free bread? Turkey's main opposition party has successfully turned the pandemic into an opportunity by building a dynamic grassroots movement in the face of authoritarian rule. Turkey
Israeli doctors fly to Sudan to save diplomat who strove to normalize ties A private aircraft carrying Israeli doctors and medical equipment reportedly arrived to Khartoum on May 26 in a bid to save the life of a local diplomat that was instrumental in advancing ties between the two countries. Israel
