What does reelection of Ghalibaf as parliament speaker mean for Iran? Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, whose strong connections have spared him prosecution over an array of corruption allegations, is also seen as a potential contender in the upcoming snap presidential election to find a successor to late President Ebrahim Raisi. Iran
Protests against Israel spread in Turkey following Rafah strike As Israel's Rafah strike sparked protests across the country, Turkey’s National Security Council implicitly criticized Washington for police interventions in pro-Palestinian protests in US colleges. Turkey
Gaza aid pier breaks down, halting US humanitarian deliveries by sea The Biden administration's plan to alleviate famine in the Palestinian enclave — and in turn, enable Israel to pursue what remains of Hamas — is falling apart. Palestine
Saudi-Syrian normalization takes off with Hajj flights, return of ambassador Diplomatic relations have resumed between the two countries as Riyadh appointed Faisal al-Mujfel ambassador to Syria — the first since relations were severed in 2012. Syria
Israel looks to revive cease-fire talks even as its tanks enter central Rafah Israel has reportedly sent Egypt and Qatar a new outline for relaunching talks for a hostage and cease-fire deal in Gaza. Israel
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal invests in Elon Musk’s $24B AI startup Kingdom Holding Company also holds a stake in Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Saudi Arabia
UAE president arrives in South Korea to talk defense, energy, business ties The visit, the first by the Emirati president, aims to enhance the already strong ties between the two countries. United Arab Emirates
Analysis As Netanyahu clings to power, Rafah strike spells strategic disaster for Israel Beyond the horrendous humanitarian toll of the airstrike on Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, the bombing plunges Israel deeper into international pariahdom. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
