Iran turns to bonds to solve budget crisis Tehran has chosen to issue domestic bonds to address its expected budget deficit, a policy that promises to have complex impacts on Iran's economy. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
IDF instructed to start preparing for possible annexation It is not yet clear if and when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present his annexation plan, but the army has already been instructed to prepare for escalation scenarios. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Northeast Syrian women to participate in meetings on tribal matters Some women in the autonomous, Kurdish-led statelet welcome the move. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Intel: Pompeo, French counterpart discuss Libya war Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the situation in Libya today with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, a State Department spokeswoman said in a statement. By Al-Monitor Staff
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman UAE Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba talks about COVID-19, the region, and prospects for governance in the post-pandemic future
Intel: US offers no new funding at Yemen donor conference The emergency aid pledged for Yemen’s humanitarian response plan at a June 2 donor conference falls short of what is needed, with the United States not offering any new funding at this time. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Intel: House Middle East panel chairman questions Trump’s commitment to two-state solution The chairman of the House’s Middle East panel questioned the Donald Trump administration’s stated commitment to a two-state solution during a Zoom interview with the Israel Policy Forum today. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Syria’s stock market stops trades of Rami Makhlouf’s telecom company The company, owned by President Bashar al-Assad's embattled cousin, has been suspended from the exchange indefinitely. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey issues warrants for over 100 accused of Gulen ties The Turkish prosecutor's office ordered the arrest of 118 people suspected of ties to the outlawed Gulen movement. By Al-Monitor Staff
Qatar makes massive LNG ship order The purchase by Qatar Petroleum from three South Korean companies comes as oil prices continue to rise from the lows earlier in the year. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey ignores its own record, denouncing press clampdown in US protests Turkish officials have denounced the crackdown on journalists in the United States, drawing criticism given Ankara's own record on press freedom. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Minorities in Turkey on edge amid threats, attacks Vulnerable groups have faced intimidation or worse in recent weeks in what both the government and the opposition warn are efforts to stoke conflict, though they disagree on who’s to blame. By Ayla Jean Yackley
Libya’s warring parties agree to resume cease-fire talks, UN says The United Nations Support Mission in Libya said the rival governments would resume talks over securing a lasting truce in the war-torn country. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: US returns acquitted Iranian scientist, no apparent prisoner swap The United States has returned an acquitted Iranian scientist to his home country after holding him for months in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli museums reopen with a bang after COVID-19 Several museums in Israel are reopening their doors this week, after having been closed for more than two months due to the coronavirus outbreak. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Kurdish authorities in Iraq lift lockdown following protests The reimposed lockdown came amid an increase in COVID-19 cases, but people protested the lack of work opportunities due to the restrictions. By Al-Monitor Staff