Israel pleased with US pivot to pressure in Iran nuclear talks Pessimism and pressure are the buzz in Vienna, but the Iran nuclear talks still have a pulse. By Week in Review
Iran says UK in 'discussions' over paying decades-old debt Iran's Ambassador to the US Mohsen Baharvand said a British delegation had discussed its imprisoned nationals during a recent visit to Tehran. Iran
Lebanon's prime minister asks Egypt for gas as power crisis drags on Egypt previously agreed to export natural gas to Lebanon via Jordan and Syria. By Al-Monitor Staff
Defeated Iraqi parties seek to get election results annulled Iraq's federal court is expected to uphold the results of the election, which has been praised by Iraqi and international observers. Iraq
BBC calls for Iran to stop 'campaign of harassment' against staff The British broadcaster has publicly called out Iran for cross-border threats and harassment of its journalists and their family members. Iran
Gantz visit coincides with escalation in US pressure on Iran A report about the United States toughening its stance against Iran was exactly what Defense Minister Benny Gantz was hoping for on his Washington visit. Israel
Turkey not yet ready to give up on Muslim Brotherhood Turkey has shown a willingness to repair relations with Israel, Egypt, and other countries in the Middle East. But Ankara’s relations with the Muslim Brotherhood, a sticking point for almost all of these bilateral ties, are more complicated than meets the eye. Turkey
Hamas slams Egypt for botched mediation, delayed reconstruction Six months after truce was declared, Hamas leaders say Egypt is deliberately stalling and siding with Israel to delay aid to the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Jeddah Red Sea Film Festival marks historic moment for Saudi filmmakers Saudis, Arabs, world stars and celebrities walked the red carpet in the conservative kingdom in a scene that no one could have imagined a few years ago. Culture
Bennett-Lapid tensions threaten Israeli rotation agreement An increasing number of reports indicate that tensions are growing between advisers in the team of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and advisers of Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. Israel
Intel: US, Israel float military option as Iran nuclear talks sputter Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met at the Pentagon to discuss Iran's nuclear program, and the possibility of a military response if negotiations continue to stall. Iran
Pessimism prevails as Iran nuclear talks resume Ahead of the new round, Iran’s foreign minister expressed doubt that the Western sides were ready to accept Tehran’s demands, while the United States spoke of “additional measures” if diplomacy was heading toward failure. Iran
Austin Tice's mother says White House a 'hurdle' to his return Debra Tice, whose son Austin disappeared while reporting on the Syrian war in 2012, called on the White House to do more to ensure his safe return. U.S.
Iraq announces end to US-led combat role with no fanfare The defeat-IS coalition will continue its advisory mission into next year, despite a declared end to a combat role. Iraq
Kurdish politician's plight highlights Turkey's indifference to critically ill inmates Aysel Tugluk, who defended PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan in his trial decades ago, is now suffering from advanced dementia behind bars, despite widespread calls for her release. Turkey
Iran threatens sanctions against US over treatment of Black Americans An Iranian judicial official said the Islamic Republic is concerned about police brutality against Black people in the United States, citing the murder of George Floyd. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change