Analysis Turkey's F-16s in doubt after Erdogan says no Sweden vote before October The Biden administration's planned sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey could hinge on when the Turkish parliament chooses to ratify Sweden's accession. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Bahrain, Turkey are Middle East's biggest eaters: Oxford rankings Bahrain and Turkey are listed among the top eaters globally, while daily calorie consumption in war-ridden Yemen stands behind the recommended level. Turkey
Hezbollah threatens to ‘act’ if Israel attacks Lebanon after border shooting Tensions are particularly high between Israel and Lebanon in large part due to the conflict over the Ghajjar border town. Israel
Israeli fire wounds Hezbollah members near Lebanon-Israel border: security source Agence France-Presse
Analysis Tunisia-Italy cable project part of effort to connect energy grids with Europe: World Bank Other North African countries are also interested in connecting grids with Europe. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
UAE becomes observer in Asian money laundering group The move follows the UAE being added to a financial watchdog’s list of countries with deficiencies in countering money laundering. Gulf
Outrage in Lebanon as journalist Dima Sadek sentenced to prison Journalist Dima Sadek's one-year jail sentence for defamation and slander has raised an uproar among activists and others who fear for freedom of expression and media in the country. Lebanon
Turkey unlikely to ratify Sweden’s NATO entry before October, says Erdogan The comments clearly signal that the drama over Sweden’s accession is not over, and Turkey's push to overcome Congressional sanctions and acquire F-16 fighter jets remains the main sticking point. Turkey
Israeli defense chief Gallant visits Azerbaijan to boost military ties The expected visit of Israeli Defense Minister Minister Yoav Gallant in Baku reflects deepening of ties and shared security interests, mainly on Iran, between the two countries. Israel
OPEC oil export revenues surpass $870 billion, highest in decade The revenues from the Organization of Oil Petroleum Exporting Countries peaked in 2012, when they reached $1.2 trillion. Gulf
Iran summons Russia's ambassador over UAE islands dispute On Monday, Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement calling for a “a peaceful solution” to the dispute over the Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands “in accordance with international law." Iran