US says burden on Iran to de-escalate following prisoner deal Biden administration officials say they expect Iran to take de-escalatory steps and they'll continue to exercise a variety of options to deter any aggressive moves in the Persian Gulf region. Washington Connection
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman After 39 years of armed conflict with Turkey, outlawed PKK militants may be weakened but not defeated, says author Frederike Geerdink Amberin Zaman
Istanbul mayor announces reelection bid in Turkey’s upcoming local polls Ending a heated public debate, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said he would not seek Turkey’s main opposition leadership, but he implicitly linked the success of his reelection bid as mayor in the local polls to main opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s resignation. Turkey
How significant is India's first ever use of rupees for UAE oil payment? Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) received the rupee payment of an undisclosed amount from Indian Oil Corp., according to an Indian Embassy statement acquired by Reuters. United Arab Emirates
Iran claims Israel behind shrine attack, pledges revenge The shooting renewed debates on Iran's intelligence failures in thwarting deadly attacks in contrast to the official assertion that the country is an "island of stability" in a volatile Middle East. Iran
Moody’s upgrades outlook for Turkish banks amid economic U-turn The US-based rating agency projected Turkey's economic growth to be 4.2% at the end of 2023, falling from 2022’s 5.6%. Turkey
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Fatah hold rare meeting in Gaza The meeting in Gaza comes as the PA escalates its crackdown on Islamic Jihad in the West Bank. Palestine
Turkey captures alleged conspirator in 2016 murder of Russian ambassador Turkish authorities continue to arrest suspects seven years after Russia's ambassador to Ankara was slain by an alleged Gulenist. Turkey
Analysis Netanyahu’s tension with Israeli security brass boils over amid accusations of dictatorship Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tries concealing from the public the damage caused to the readiness of the IDF by the refusal of reserve officers to show up for duty. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt's Sisi hosts Jordan, Palestinian leaders to discuss Saudi-Israel ties: source Agence France-Presse