Explainer: What is behind the Arizona-Saudi groundwater controversy? The US state canceled the lease for one of Saudi dairy giant Almarai’s subsidiaries, saying it has been improperly pumping groundwater out of the desert. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Citing Turkey’s absence, Azerbaijan skips EU-sponsored talks with Armenia in Spain Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev skipped peace talks between the two countries after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan backed out due to illness. By Al-Monitor Staff
US sends 1.1 million rounds of seized Iranian ammunition to Ukraine The unprecedented shipment comes as political paralysis in Congress has threatened to interrupt the flow of weapons to Kyiv. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Italy's FM in Saudi Arabia to talk energy partnerships, investments as ties grow The far-right government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has worked to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on Middle East business, climate change, AI, tech
Israel, Azerbaijan announce landmark deal for sale of two satellites Israel Aerospace Industries and Azeri space agency Azercosmos announced the signing of an agreement for the sale of two Israeli-developed satellites. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey's Fidan declares all PKK, YPG facilities in Syria, Iraq 'legitimate targets' High-level and open threats by Turkey have ramped up fears of a fresh escalation in northern Syria between Turkish forces and Syrian Kurdish groups that Ankara deems terrorists. By Ezgi Akin, Jared Szuba
Iranian girl in coma after alleged assault by hijab police The case of Armita Garawand is eerily similar to that of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody last year after she was arrested for violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Israeli shekel falls to 7-year low of 3.87 against the dollar The shekel’s fall is the latest sign of economic uncertainty amid Israel’s political turmoil. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Saudi Arabia, Russia to extend voluntary oil cuts to tighten supply The announcement from the two most powerful members of the OPEC+ group came hours before ministers from the cartel of oil-producing nations were set to meet virtually on Wednesday. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on Middle East business, climate change, AI, tech