Middle East

'The Man Who Would Be King': Saudi crown prince pushes for liberalization of his society - review

Everyone with an interest in the Middle East will welcome this study by Karen Elliott House of a man who is bound to play a vital role in the region’s future.  

 SAUDI CROWN Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025.

Hezbollah stages parade in central Beirut, rattling and outraging Lebanese citizens - report

 People celebrate what they say is Iran's victory, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, in Beirut, Lebanon June 25, 2025.

IRGC kills one woman, wounds 12 in Iran while looking for 'Israeli spies,' human rights group says

 An anti-Israel billboard is seen next to the Iranian flag during a celebration following the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran, Iran, April 15, 2024.

Inside enemy territory: A former IDF soldier's journey from Tehran to a Beirut jail cell

 DESPITE SERVING in the IDF and holding Israeli citizenship, Brotman visited Iran. Here, he stands in front of the 'US Den of Espionage Museum,' site of the former US Embassy in Tehran.

Hamas hands 'positive' ceasefire response, Israeli security cabinet to convene Saturday night

An Israeli source also confirmed that Israel received the document submitted by the mediators and that it, as well as Hamas's response to the proposal, are being examined.

 Hamas terrorists seen in Khan Yunis, February 20, 2025

Voices from the Arab press: When the ceasefire prolongs the war

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER Abbas Araqchi attends the funeral procession of military commanders, nuclear scientists, and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, June 28, 2025.

Saudi Arabia's current priority is reaching permanent Gaza ceasefire, foreign minister says

Saudi's Foreign Minister also highlighted the need to return to diplomatic negotiations when it comes to Iran's nuclear program.

 Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud seen in Tehran, Iran, June 17, 2023

Turkey signals continued support for Hamas with high-level meeting - analysis

According to Al-Arabiya, “Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met a senior Hamas leader on Sunday for talks on Gaza’s humanitarian tragedy and efforts to reach a ceasefire."

A demonstrator waves Turkish and Palestinian flags during a protest to express support for Palestinians in Gaza, a day ahead of the anniversary of the October 7th attack, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Istanbul, Turkey, October 6, 2024.

Due to Iran safety concerns, UN pulls nuclear inspectors out - report

Grossi "reiterated the crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible."

 IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi against backdrop of an Iranian missile.

Drone attacks surge in Iraq amid rising US security tensions, Iranian military presence

Tensions rise as the US military faces heightened security concerns amid ongoing strikes in the Kurdistan Region.

 An Iranian drone is displayed during the National Army Day parade ceremony in Tehran, Iran, April 18, 2025.

Hamas likely to respond positively to ceasefire proposal later on Friday, source tells 'Post'

The source estimates the response will be positive, with some points rewritten. These revisions are not expected to be deal-breakers.

Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, July 2, 2025

When strength becomes a liability: Hezbollah considers turning over some of its weapons

The group won't surrender its entire arsenal, but would consider turning over some weapons on condition Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and halts its attacks, sources told Reuters.

 Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, hold up weapons as they rally to show support to Palestinians and Lebanon's Hezbollah in Sanaa, Yemen November 8, 2024.

Israeli special forces operate near Damascus via helicopter landings - report

According to the report, three helicopters landed at the site, which once belonged to the Republican Guard Division under Bashar al-Assad's regime.

 IDF troops operate in southern Syria on June 29, 2025.

Iran, US seek to resume back-channel efforts to restart nuclear talks, Iran's foreign ministry says

Esmaeil Baghaei, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, had said that the US needed to show it had a genuine desire for peace with Iran.

 L to R: Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, US President Donald Trump against backdrop of respective flags and missile strikes.