Azerbaijan, Iran agree to de-escalate through dialogue Following weeks of heightened tensions between the two countries, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian agreed to settle their differences through dialogue. Iran
Iran’s president calls for tighter internet control Iran’s president called for tighter control of the internet while “digitizing” the economy. Iran
Likud’s Edelsetein challenges Netanyahu over party leadership The first to challenge former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Likud party leadership is former Health Minister and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein. Israel
Israel's Lapid discusses Iran, Abraham Accords, US-Israel ties in Washington On a three-day visit in Washington, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met yesterday with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris. Israel
Jordanians lukewarm on government reform proposal Jordanians have largely ignored the proposals of a royal committee on political reform as a majority battled the effects of deteriorating living conditions made even worse by the pandemic. Jordan
Egypt wins international award for restoring historic synagogue Egypt is using an international award it recently won for restoring the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria to promote tourism. Egypt
Jewish prayer continues to rile Al-Aqsa Mosque Recurrent prayer by Jews at Al-Aqsa Mosque against regulations can be expected to continue to spark clashes at the site. Palestine
Iran kicks off air defense drills amid tensions with Israel, Azerbaijan The exercise comes as Israeli officials are reportedly seeking assurances that the Biden administration is ready for joint operations should nuclear negotiations in Vienna fail. Iran
Jordan’s King Abdullah visits Qatar Jordan and Qatar repaired ties in 2019 amid the then-ongoing Gulf diplomatic crisis. News Brief
Iran's hard-liners push to prosecute Rouhani The lawmakers' formal complaint was appended by a public petition that, among other allegations, accuses Rouhani of betraying Iranians through signing the nuclear deal with the world powers. Iran
Erdogan-linked foundation faces fresh barrage of accusations of nepotism, abuse A whistleblower has made claims that, in addition to hundreds of job hirings made at TUGVA's request, the organization was also allocated over 1,000 government-owned buildings to use as dormitories for its members. Turkey
Venezuelan foreign minister wants 'deeper' relations with Turkey Turkey and Venezuela have grown close in recent years, despite US opposition to the South American country’s government. News Brief
Beirut port probe suspended again as judge issues warrant for ex-minister Former Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil was sanctioned by the US government last year for corruption. News Brief
Sadr and independents biggest winners under Iraq's new election law The new election law was beneficial for large political blocs and independents, but it also harmed a number of large blocs whose presence in the new parliament has become almost marginal. Iraq
Israeli energy minister hails water agreement in Jordan Israel’s Energy Minister Karin Elharar told Al-Monitor that the agreement she signed today doubling the water quantity supplied to Jordan is a sign of improving diplomatic relations between the two countries. Israel
Is Erdogan’s Communications Directorate failing him? Fancy buildings and growing budgets at Turkey's Communications Directorate have failed to improve Erdogan’s global image. Growing rumors about his health and discussions over possible transition figures are a red flag for Turkey’s economic and political welfare. Turkey
