On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Khamenei may still prefer a nuclear deal over a nuclear weapon, says Ken Pollack
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
Is Erdogan testing Biden with request to buy more F-16s? Ankara’s surprise request to purchase F-16 jets from the United States looks like a rational decision dictated by military realities, but some suspect it might well be a gambit to set the stage for warplane negotiations with Russia. Turkey
Year of changes place Abraham Accords supporters on rockier ground The Abraham Accords did much to sideline the Palestinian issue, but the current Israeli government is increasingly communicating with the Palestinian Authority and President Mahmoud Abbas. Israel
Bennet outlines plan to settle more Israelis in Golan Heights At a conference on developing the Golan Heights, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he plans to greatly increase the number of Israeli residents of the contested region. Israel
Egypt seeks Brazil’s support in Nile dam dispute After Brazil was elected a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council, Brazilian support for Egypt in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis gained momentum. Egypt
Hamas says Gaza crisis linked to Jerusalem A delegation of high-ranking Hamas representatives met with Egypt's intelligence chief to discuss a prisoner exchange deal with Israel and a potential truce in Gaza, but Hamas wants to include Jerusalem as well. Palestine
Sisi backs emergency measures by Tunisian president The Egyptian president said the actions taken by his Tunisian counterpart, Kais Saied, will bring 'stability to Tunisia.' Egypt