Iranian source rejects removal of sanctions in segments This week's talks in Vienna have brought officials closer to resolving the nuclear deal crisis, though Iran still insists on full sanctions removal. Iran
Emirati, Israeli media outlets sign cooperation agreement Emirates News Agency also launched a Hebrew-language website. News Brief
Iran shatters daily COVID-19 records A national vaccination campaign is still at least several weeks away as Iran records its highest-ever daily coronavirus infections. News Brief
House Democrats urge Biden to pressure Saudis on 'unconscionable' Yemen blockade The lawmakers called on Biden to use the full weight of US influence to end the sea and air blockade, which aid agencies say is exacerbating Yemen's humanitarian crisis. Saudi Arabia
Algerian protesters keep up pressure as government targets activists abroad Algeria's pro-democracy Hirak movement hits the streets, calling for a civil state. North Africa
After Iran ship blast, Gantz says Israel preparing for military threats Defense Minister Benny Gantz declined to react to the report by The New York Times that Israel was behind the attack yesterday on the Iranian Saviz boat, stating simply that Israel is preparing for threats on all possible fronts. Israel
Israel's president openly reluctant on Netanyahu forming government President Reuven Rivlin made sure everyone knew he would have preferred to task someone other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with forming Israel’s next government. Israel
Palestinian village becomes prison for residents The Palestinian village of Beit Iksa lies on the Palestinian side of the Israeli separation wall, and its residents feel trapped in a large prison surrounded by Israeli settlements. Palestine
Man admits asking Gaetz's father for $25M to find FBI agent in Iran, denies extortion Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent believed to have died in Iranian custody, is now wrapped up in Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz's legal drama. Iran
Has diplomacy run out of cards to play to end the Nile dam dispute? The round of negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia end in Kinshasa, Congo, with no resolution in sight. Egypt
Egypt plans 'New Delta' to boost food security Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered the implementation of a megaproject to cultivate 1 million feddans west of the Nile Delta in Lower Egypt. The project, dubbed New Delta, aims to create modern agricultural and urban communities as well as industrial complexes that operate in the field of agricultural production. Egypt
European Union calls on foreign forces to leave Libya EU Council President Charles Michel met with officials in Tripoli as more European officials are set to visit the capital this month. Libya
Iran charges 10 in relation to shooting down of Ukrainian passenger plane Iran concluded that the deadly strike last year was the result of an air defense mistake, but Ukraine has so far rejected this conclusion. News Brief
Iraq passes $89 billion federal budget bill The budget confronted issues of unemployment, currency devaluation and non-oil revenues and was passed as lawmakers prepare for October's general election; the challenge is implementation. Iraq
Deciphering retired admirals’ open letter in Turkey An open letter by retired admirals critical of government policies has given Erdogan much-needed political ammunition amid an economic turmoil that has been eating into his popular support. Turkey
Top EU officials seek improved ties, positive agenda in meeting with Erdogan Focusing on economic cooperation, migration and human rights, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council chief Charles Michel sought to improve EU-Turkey ties during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on April 6. Turkey
