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: J Street endorsement sets up battle with AIPAC for Biden’s ear Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, accepted a major endorsement from the lobbying group J Street today, setting up a battle for the former vice president’s ear with the left-leaning organization’s main rival, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Israel
Despite hero worship, Turkey's doctors continue to face threats, violence Doctors and medical associations worry Turkey's new law that includes heavier penalties for physical and verbal attacks against health care workers may do little to change the situation on the ground. Turkey
Trump administration doubles down on Iran nuclear treaty allegations The Donald Trump administration is using a new arms control report to build upon its case that Iran could potentially be in violation of a key nuclear nonproliferation treaty. United States
Intel: Trump administration vows to expedite review of COVID-19 equipment for Iran The US Treasury Department vowed today to prioritize and expedite the review of humanitarian license requests to send medical equipment to Iran to treat COVID-19 patients. Congress
Intel: US holds virtual anti-IS meeting amid COVID-19 pandemic The US-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State convened a virtual meeting today to discuss the fight against the remnants of the terrorist group. Iraq
Intel: 11 Iranian ships harass US vessels in Persian Gulf The US 5th Fleet in the Persian Gulf said today that 11 Iranian vessels “repeatedly conducted dangerous and harassing approaches against multiple US naval ships operating in international waters.” United States
COVID-19 crisis pushes Bahrain to resume flights from Iran after 4-year halt The tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain is bringing hundreds of Shiite pilgrims home from Iran, with which it has no diplomatic ties and normally no direct flights. Bahrain
Iran condemns Trump’s halt of WHO funding Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blasted the United States in a tweet April 15, condemning the US president for suspending funding to the World Health Organization. United States
Yemen’s Houthis seek regional role as part of Axis of Resistance Iran-backed Ansar Allah may have ambitions well beyond Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Intel: US plans anti-ship missile sale for Morocco Congress was notified today of US plans for a $62 million sale of anti-ship missiles for Morocco that would be launched from F-16 aircraft. Morocco
Intel: Turkey says S-400 stance unchanged despite US pressure Turkey’s stance on its S-400s hasn’t changed, even as the United States appeared to dangle support in Syria in exchange for Ankara abandoning the controversial Russian missile defense systems, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Tuesday. Syria
Gazan medical masks make a statement Gazan artists use masks, sand sculptures and performance art to create awareness on social isolation and protection during the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine