Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington. Washington Pulse
US, Israel hold second virtual meeting on Rafah Biden administration officials have denied offering to green-light an Israeli invasion of Rafah if Israel holds off on retaliating against Iran. Washington Pulse
One year on Sudan’s war: 14,700 killed, 8.6M displaced, 4.9M face starvation As the war in Sudan enters its second year, the humanitarian situation is worsening by the day with no prospects of an imminent end of the hostilities. North Africa Pulse
State Department staffer resigns over Biden's handling of Gaza Annelle Sheline is the second State Department official to publicly resign since Oct. 7, citing the erosion of US credibility on human rights in the Middle East as a result of the war. Washington Pulse
Intel: US sends B-52 bombers back to Middle East amid attacks by Iran-linked proxies Following drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia this weekend, it is not clear that the Pentagon's deterrence tactic is paying off. Saudi Arabia
At least eight dead in fire at Yemeni migrant center, UN says More than 170 people are injured after a fire erupted at a facility holding migrants in Yemen's Houthi-held capital of Sanaa. Yemen
Saudi renews bombing of Yemen's capital following Houthi attacks The Biden administration's push to end the war has been stalled by a recent escalation. Saudi Arabia
Gantz informs Biden administration of updated Israeli plans to strike Iran Israel's defense minster joins other officials in subtle warning to Washington over Iran nuclear talks. Israel
Kuwait’s new government takes charge following latest showdown with parliament A new Cabinet is sworn in to address economic and COVID-related challenges. Kuwait
Republicans challenge Biden's Pentagon policy nominee on Iran Colin Kahl said he supports the Abraham Accords and continued pressure on Tehran. Saudi Arabia
Oil prices continue to rise as Saudi Arabia and Russia talk production The price of Brent crude continued to increase above its pre-pandemic levels during the OPEC+ meeting Thursday. Gulf
Are Gulf oil giants ready to go green? As European and American oil companies face increased pressure and scrutiny on new climate restrictions, the Gulf has so far been avoided the heat. Saudi Arabia
Biden faces calls to lift Trump's controversial ICC sanctions The International Criminal Court’s investigation into potential war crimes committed by Israel and Hamas is looming over the Biden administration’s review of sanctions on the Hague-based tribunal. Palestine
Report says US officials met with Yemen’s Houthis in bid to end war Timothy Lenderking sat down with the Houthis' lead negotiator late last month. Saudi Arabia
American dies of ‘cardiac episode’ after rocket attack on Iraq air base Rocket strikes resume after Biden authorized retaliation on pro-Iran militia in Syria last week Iraq
Saudi Arabia to require COVID-19 vaccine for this year's hajj The Saudi government is mandating pilgrims be vaccinated but hasn't yet said whether attendance will be limited. Saudi Arabia