Israel, US gloss over differences on Iran, but frictions remain US-Israel strategic dialogue finds few points of agreement on Iran's nuclear capability; Iraq looks forward to smooth, transparent election. Iran
Intel: US lifts Iran-related sanctions, says no connection to nuclear deal The US Treasury Department has delisted Iran-based entities sanctioned by the Trump administration for alleged involvement in Iran’s ballistic missile program. Iran
US praises Bahrain for its help with Afghanistan evacuation Many Gulf states have made Afghanistan a focus of their foreign policies following the Taliban takeover of the country. News Brief
Turkey requests to buy 40 US F-16 fighter planes Just last week Erdogan boasted about potential new defense deals with Russia, including aircraft purchases. News Brief
Security forces, IDPs cast votes early in Iraq's parliamentary elections Early voting has opened in Iraq’s parliamentary elections. Iraq
Hezbollah leader meets with Iran FM, calls Tehran ‘loyal ally’ The Iranian foreign minister visited Lebanon this week and pledged the Islamic Republic would continue sending fuel to crisis-stricken Lebanon. News Brief
Iraq seeks to attach strings to arms purchases from Turkey Talks on the sale of Turkish armed drones and combat helicopters to Iraq have hit snags amid Iraqi efforts to extract concessions on contentious issues in bilateral ties. Turkey
Libya Stabilization Act could have major impact on war-torn country If signed into law, the bill — which orders a probe into war crimes and torture — would also threaten sanctions to those who provide arms to Libya's warring factions. Libya
Tensions between Israel’s Gantz, Bennett threaten coalition stability Defense Minister Benny Gantz is furious with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett over exposing a Mossad operation concerning long-years missing aviator Ron Arad. Israel
Iraqi elections begin with strict measurements to prevent fraud In a first of its kind, Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission is excluding candidates from the early elections due to electoral campaign and law violations, raising expectations the elections will be different this time. Iraq
Syrian jihadist group, Turkish-backed opposition reportedly consider merger Turkish-backed Syrian opposition factions have reportedly received instructions to deploy in Idlib soon, amid reports that a merger with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is imminent. Syria
Israeli minister promotes controversial reform on conversion into Judaism Minister of Religious Affairs Matan Kahana is determined to break the monopoly of ultra-Orthodox Chief Rabbinate over conversions into Judaism. Israel
Thousands of Gazans flock to get work permits in Israel Thousands of unemployed Gazans are flocking to the offices of the Chambers of Commerce to submit their papers to obtain a permit to work inside Israel, following reports that Israel has agreed to grant 2,600 commercial permits to Gaza residents. Palestine
Israel still fears US approach to Iran The meeting this week at the White House of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group did not reassure Jerusalem — on the contrary. Israel
Israeli court approves quiet Jewish prayer at Temple Mount compound In a landmark ruling, the Jerusalem Magistrates Court allowed Rabbi Aryeh Lippo to pray silently at the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Israel
Israeli lawmaker praises 'two-state solution act' in Congress The bill calls for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside a home for the Jewish people in Israel, which earned praise from a retired military commander in Israel's Knesset. News Brief
