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
Al-Qaeda is using Iran as safe haven, says State Department report Nathan Sales, ambassador-at-large and the US coordinator for counterterrorism, describes Iran's connections to al-Qaeda as "no surprise." Iran
Emirates suspends passenger flights from Pakistan following virus cases The Dubai-based airline said a number of passengers were found to have COVID-19 on a recent flight. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Democrats stare down AIPAC with annexation warning The majority of House Democrats united today to warn Israel against unilaterally annexing parts of the West Bank despite opposition from the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Israel
Intel: Pompeo echoes Gantz by bashing Palestinians for refusal to negotiate on annexation Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blasted the Palestinians today for their refusal to negotiate over a looming Israeli annexation of the West Bank — one day after Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz made similar comments, seemingly bringing him closer to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position. Palestine
UAE ends virus curfew Emirati authorities announced total freedom of movement today. United Arab Emirates
Saudi-led coalition in Yemen monitoring cease-fire in Abyan The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen deployed troops to the southern province of Abyan following a truce reached between the war's two nominal allies. Yemen
Italian foreign minister says Libya a 'priority' in Tripoli visit Libya's Government of National Accord hosted an Italian delegation in the capital today. Libya
Intel: US sanctions Iranian ships for delivering oil to Venezuela The United States sanctioned the captains of five Iranian vessels today for delivering oil to Venezuela. Originals
Intel: US doubles reward for information on Islamic State leader The US government is offering $10 million for information leading to the location of Islamic State leader Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla. United States
Egypt’s top film festivals gearing up to open as scheduled As Egypt begins to gradually lift restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the country’s top film festivals are preparing to hold their events in the coming months while taking the necessary precautionary measures. Egypt
Houthi rebels in Yemen fire missiles into Saudi capital Houthi officials said the missiles hit military targets, but Saudi Arabia said it intercepted the missiles. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Key Democrat presses Pompeo on Trump’s alleged interference in Turkish bank probe The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today grilling him on a series of allegations raised in former national security adviser John Bolton’s new book, including the allegation that President Donald Trump sought to end the Justice Department’s charges against Turkey’s state-run Halkbank. Originals