Iran not backing down in Middle East, US intel report says The Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign did not stop Tehran's ambitions in the region, ODNI report suggests. Iran
Intel: US endorses watchdog report blaming Syria for chemical attack The report from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons found "reasonable grounds" to believe that the Syrian air force dropped chlorine on a rebel-held town in northwestern Syria in 2018. Syria
Russian FM’s visit to Egypt helps counter Erdogan’s regional moves Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Cairo is seen as a further cementing of increasing Russian-Egyptian ties and as a counterpoint to the Ukrainian president's visit to Turkey. Russia
Turkey tightens COVID-19 restrictions as Ramadan holy month begins Responding to a surge in new cases, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced tighter COVID-19 restrictions for the first two weeks of Ramadan, saying measures could be extended if current trends continue. Turkey
European powers voice 'grave concern' over Iran's uranium enrichment plan Following the alleged Israeli attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, Tehran has announced it will enrich uranium to 60% purity. Iran
Another crash in Egypt leaves 20 dead The road accident near the Nile River follows deadly train and boat incidents in the North African country earlier this year. News Brief
Libya and Greece agree to resume talks on Mediterranean Sea border Libya's new unity government has had warm relations with Greece so far, but there are remaining issues on energy drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean that also involve Turkey and Egypt. Libya
Iran says 60% uranium enrichment an answer to attack President Hassan Rouhani says the recent decision to enrich uranium to 60% is in response to the alleged Israeli attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Iran
US to move forward with $23B arms sale to UAE The $23.4 billion arms package includes F-35s, armed drones and other equipment. News Brief
New Israeli legislator smuggles Torah scroll for Women of the Wall One of the first actions of new Labor Knesset member Rabbi Gilad Kari was sneaking a Torah scroll into the Western Wall plaza for women activists to pray from. Israel
Egypt plans another royal parade, this time for King Tut's gold mask After the grand success of the Pharaoh's Golden Parade, Egypt is preparing for another major event involving the relics of Tutankhamun, one of ancient Egypt’s most famous kings. Egypt
First TV series starring people with disabilities to be released in Egypt During Ramadan, an Egyptian series starring 25 actors with disabilities will be aired on social media, amid efforts to shed light on the marginalization and stigma that Egyptians with a disability face. Culture & Society
New ultra-Orthodox residents make Israel's Dimona nervous Many secular residents of the southern town of Dimona are afraid that new residents, families from the Gur Hasidic community, will change the character of their town. Israel
Gaza animal shelter gets stray dogs off streets With help from the Gaza municipality, a rescue group has established a rare animal shelter in the enclave. Palestine
Senate confirms Wendy Sherman for No. 2 post at State Department Sherman was the lead negotiator for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The debate over her nomination mostly focused on the agreement, which the Biden administration is currently seeking to reenter. Congress
Egypt releases journalist Khaled Dawoud from prison Khaled Dawoud was arrested as part of a sweeping crackdown on anti-government protesters in 2019. Egypt
