Intel: Key Republican questions Pentagon’s proposed military training program The Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is pushing back on a Pentagon proposal to train foreign military officers from the Middle East and elsewhere, arguing that it unnecessarily replicates an existing program run by the State Department. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Iraq still committed to energy ties with Saudi Arabia, Gulf states despite Iran electricity deal Iraq has signed an agreement with Iran to continue importing gas and electricity for two years. By Omar Sattar
French president demands Iran release anthropologist dual citizen Emmanuel Macron made the comments on the one-year anniversary of Fariba Adelkah's imprisonment. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran demanded Florida doctor in exchange for Michael White Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson says the Iranians conditioned White's freedom on Majid Taheri's release. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
How Lebanese banks can restore customers’ confidence Amid reports that the Lebanese government plans to merge and liquidate some banks, citizens are concerned about their deposits while the economic situation continues to deteriorate. By Hanan Hamdan
Palestinians reveal Israeli alternatives to two-state solution Palestinians seem to be caught between a rock and a hard place with Israel’s shifting away from a two-state solution and the diminishing chances of such an option after the announcement of the US Middle East peace plan. By Adnan Abu Amer
Is Islamic State making a comeback in Sinai? A researcher says repeated attacks by Islamic militants in Sinai show that Egyptian forces must be ever vigilant. By A correspondent in Egypt
Netanyahu’s dilemma over his annexation plan Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must now decide whether he wants to go ahead with his annexation plan, or hope that the White House will get him out of it. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Mohamed Ali returns to slam Sisi on COVID-19 — is anyone listening? Mohamed Ali, an Egyptian construction contractor who last year called for protests against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has recently appeared on social media, accusing the government of failing to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. By A correspondent in Egypt
China apparently left out of Israel's 5G network tender The first phase of the tender for building the 5G wireless network in Israel has passed its deadline, with Chinese bidders apparently left out. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Jordan Valley Palestinians watch as Israel imposes authority ahead of looming annexation Israel has intensified its measures in West Bank areas facing the threat of annexation at a time when Palestinians feel the imminence of the annexation project more than ever. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Sudanese immigrants in Lebanon try crossing border into Israel In recent months, Sudanese refugees have been trying to enter Israel by slipping across the tense border with Lebanon. By Mordechai Goldman
Intel: US warns Middle Eastern partners against Chinese investment The State Department’s top official overseeing US policy in the Middle East warned countries in the region against accepting Chinese investment, contracts and coronavirus aid during a virtual interview with the Middle East Institute today. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Russia says it delivered MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Syria Wednesday's Russian statement, backing up one made by Syria on Saturday, came after the United States accused Russia on May 26 of delivering aircraft to Libya via Syria. By Al-Monitor Staff
Jordan further eases restrictions after continued success against virus Jordan has had relatively few confirmed COVID-19 cases. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel suspends parliament after lawmaker tests positive for coronavirus After he was spotted without a mask among crowds of people, Knesset member Sami Abu Shehadeh announced Thursday he was infected with the virus. By Al-Monitor Staff