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
US calls on Yemen's Houthis to halt attacks on Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia said it intercepted four armed drones launched toward the kingdom by the Yemeni rebels. Saudi Arabia
Libyan delegates choose interim government in UN-led process Abdulhamid Dbeibeh will serve as prime minister and Mohammed al-Menfi as the head of the presidential council. Libya
Updated: US disputes UN report on capture of Al-Qaeda’s top man in Yemen The report said Khalid Batarfi was handed over to Saudi authorities, yet a US officials says he's still at large. Saudi Arabia
US may help keep GCC reconciliation on track It is unclear how firm or shaky the ground is for Gulf Cooperation Council nations' reconciliation with Qatar, but they may be on more or less good behavior to start off as well as possible with the Biden administration. Gulf
Macron advocates Saudi, Israeli inclusion in Iran nuclear talks The United States says it will present a "unified front" with Europe on Iran strategy once consultations with allies conclude. Saudi Arabia
Biden's UN pick passes through Senate Foreign Relations Committee The top Democrat on the committee said he trusts Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Iran and Israel, but his Republican counterparts were more critical. Originals
Biden to end US support for offensive operations in Yemen President Joe Biden also appointed a special envoy for the war-wrecked country. Yemen
Four Tunisian soldiers killed during patrol near Algeria border Tunisia's mountainous area is a hotbed of Islamist insurgent activity. Originals
US citizen’s torture suit to test Egypt relations under Biden The Joe Biden administration may take a position on the immunity of Egypt’s former prime minister in a lawsuit brought by an American human rights activist. Egypt
Saudi Arabia suspends travel from 20 countries, including US Diplomats, health care workers and their families are exempt from the travel ban. Saudi Arabia
Biden administration makes first call to Turkey National security adviser Jake Sullivan ran through a panoply of regional issues in a call with his Turkish counterpart. Turkey
Pentagon sends aircraft carrier Nimitz home from Middle East The USS Nimitz spent more than 270 days at sea conducting exercises with the Indian navy and seeking to deter Iran from retaliating for last year's killing of Qasem Soleimani. Gulf