NYC mayoral candidate claimed state paid for politicians to go to Israel

Resurfaced video shows New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a member of the state assembly, saying New York tax dollars were used to fund trips to Israel for state politicians (Read more at JNS).

US intelligence suggests Israel is preparing strike on Iranian nuclear facilities

Such a move would mark a “brazen break” from President Donald Trump’s diplomatic push. While no final decision has been made by Israeli leaders, “intercepted Israeli communications and observations of Israeli military movements” suggest an imminent strike. And the prospect of a Trump-negotiated US-Iran deal that doesn’t remove all of Iran’s uranium makes the chance of a strike more likely (Read more at Anadolu Ajansı).

How Trump's grand design for the Middle East could leave Israel in the dust

As Gulf states shower him in riches, the US president seems ready to break with any diplomatic tradition in order to expand his 'America First' vision. The primary goal was to make “America First” a global brand - not just a vision for the United States and its people, but also a political and economic aspiration for as many other countries as possible, stemming from the exceptionalist belief that, regardless of whether a Republican or Democrat is in the White House, what’s good for the US is good for the world.

There is no doubt that over the last quarter of a century, “America” as a brand has suffered periods of extended reputational damage. Its endless wars in the Middle East fuelled chaos and illegal migration flows; its sanctions policies irked enemies and allies alike; and Wall Street’s unregulated financial schemes led to a global financial crisis with massive consequences. In rebranding the US according to Trump’s vision, there are no taboos. Even the most exorbitant privilege, the US dollar as the global reserve currency, can be discussed. Trump’s economic advisers now suggest that this status is no longer an asset, but rather a liability reflected in the country’s huge trade deficit (Read more at Middle East Eye). 

The good Arab immigrant: Ramy Youssef hits his stride with #1 Happy Family USA

Set in a post-9/11 America, this animated series is full of nostalgic references to the early 2000s and a native’s familiarity with Egyptian-American family dynamics. In 2025, actor and  comedian Ramy Youssef could very well be the most famous Egyptian celebrity in the US (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Iran’s supreme leader says US-Iran talks unlikely to succeed

“During (former President Ebrahim) Raisi’s time there were also indirect negotiations that didn’t result in anything, and now we also doubt we will reach a conclusion, and we don’t know what will happen,” he was cited as saying on his website (Read more at CNN).

Qatar’s QIA plans to at least double annual US investments over next decade

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund is planning to at least double its annual US investments in the next decade, its CEO said on Tuesday, after the fund has already pledged to invest $500 billion in the US economy over the next 10 years (Read more at Arabnews).

The new US-backed Gaza aid plan and why the UN doesn't like it

The United Nations says the U.S.-backed distribution plan does not meet its long-held principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence. U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher has said time should not be wasted on the alternative proposal (Read more at AOL)

Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Syria Working Group

The delegations discussed shared priorities in Syria, including sanctions relief according to President Trump’s directive. The United States and Türkiye recognize the importance of maintaining the territorial integrity of Syria (Read more at U.S. Department of State).

Trump frustrated by Gaza war, wants Netanyahu to wrap it up

He is upset by images of suffering of Palestinian children, and has told his aides to tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he wants him to wrap it up, two White House officials said (Read more at Axios).

Trump's Middle East moves revive the question of who's in charge

From Gaza to Riyadh, the US president is making deals that undercut Israeli priorities. But these tactical shifts should not be misread as a break from America's imperial strategy (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Mercenary firm set to oversee Gaza aid for Israel goes on LinkedIn hiring spree

The firm, Safe Reach Solutions, or SRS, says it is actively looking for “Humanitarian Liaison Officers” who will “serve as vital connectors between our operational teams and the broader humanitarian community,” according to one job description (Read more at Middle East Eye).

US: UCLA student hospitalised during hunger strike for Gaza

Palestinian Lebanese film student, Maya Abdullah, 23, ended up in hospital on 18 May after she fainted on the ninth day of her hunger strike, while seeking to pressure her university to divest from Israel. Hunger strikes in solidarity with Gaza are spreading across US campuses as Palestinians face a humanitarian catastrophe (Read more at Middle East Eye).

US Jewish leaders do not expect substantial changes from Vatican on Israel

American Jewish leaders, who attended Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass in Rome on Sunday and met with the pontiff at the Vatican the following day, are optimistic about the future of Jewish-Catholic relations. But they told JNS that they remain clear-eyed about what they think is likely to be a continuation of the Church’s approach of holding Israel uniquely responsible for the war that Hamas started on Oct. 7, 2023 (Read more at JNS).

False choice between freeing hostages, ousting Hamas, Boehler said

“If Hamas wants to come forward and make a legitimate offer they’re willing to stand by and release hostages, we’re always open to that,” the U.S. hostage affairs envoy said. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) had stated unequivocally that “we have to completely destroy Hamas” at a conference at the Pierre hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Monday. But on his way out, he was intercepted by relatives of Evyatar David, a 24-year-old Israeli hostage held captive by Hamas in Gaza, and his comments grew more nuanced. Many families of the hostages and other Israelis are calling for an immediate deal to free the remaining captives in the Gaza Strip, even if Hamas retains power for the time being (Read more at JNS).

US Muslim group says Israeli ‘PR stunt’ won’t relieve threat of famine

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned the Israeli government for letting just nine aid trucks into Gaza. The “trickle of aid” will “do nothing to relieve the threat of famine” for “two million Palestinian men, women and children besieged in Gaza”, CAIR said in a statement (Read more at Aljazeera).

Bloomberg reporter arrested during anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University

A now-former Bloomberg News reporter was arrested when anti-Israel protesters took over Columbia University’s main library this month. Jason Kao, who also used to work at the New York Times, was charged with criminal trespass after NYPD officers entered Butler Library to regain control of the building on the elite Morningside Heights campus on May 7. The graphics reporter is no longer employed by the financial news outlet, a Bloomberg spokesperson said (Read more at New York Post).

Poll shows Trump's Republican base support nuclear deal, as lawmakers push back

The poll shows that 69 percent of Americans view a negotiated agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear programme with monitoring as the best way to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Notably, 64  percent of Republicans say they want a deal, too. Iran acknowledges discussions on nuclear consortium but says it could not replace its right to enrich uranium (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Focus on hostages, hope at annual Israel parade in New York City

An estimated 40,000 people, including members of Congress and the Knesset, Israeli ministers, local public officials and former hostages and their families, lined Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue on Sunday as part of the 77th annual Celebrate Israel Day parade (Read more at JNS).

Vance decided against Israel visit due to new Israeli operation in Gaza

The U.S. official said Vance made the decision because he didn't want his trip to suggest the Trump administration endorsed the Israeli decision to launch a massive operation at a time when the U.S. is pushing for a ceasefire and hostage deal (Read more at Axios).

Trump envoy Witkoff cites US 'red line' with Iran against uranium enrichment

"We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability," Witkoff said. While Witkoff was reiterating President Donald Trump's position about uranium enrichment, Iran's response was evidence that the two sides have a long way to go to reach any agreement over Iran's nuclear program (Read more at The Star).

Trump’s Gulf tour reshapes Middle East diplomatic map

Nothing captured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s isolation more starkly this week than the image of US President Donald Trump shaking hands with Syria’s leader Ahmed al‑Sharaa — a man Israel has branded “an al‑Qaeda terrorist in a suit” (Read more at SelangorJournal).

Qatar Becomes First Foreign Buyer of Raytheon FS-LIDS Counter-Drone

Raytheon has signed a $1-billion agreement with Qatar to deliver the Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS), making Doha the system’s first international customer. The agreement includes production work in the US, contributing to engineering and advanced manufacturing. The technology is designed to detect, track, and neutralize small, slow-moving drones (Read more at Defense Post).

RTX Teams With UAE Partners to Produce Defense-Critical Gallium

Announced by US President Donald Trump during the last leg of his three-nation trip to the Gulf region, the agreement entails the creation of extraction and refining capabilities of gallium at EGA’s alumina refinery. It will make the UAE the world’s second-largest gallium producer behind China. Gallium is an important metal for the most advanced electronics systems but remains commercially challenging to produce (Read more at Defense Post)

US Senate Democratic leader proposes ban on foreign Air Force One planes

Schumer introduced the "Presidential Airlift Security Act" after news last week that President Donald Trump planned to accept a $400 million airplane from Qatar, which legal experts said raised a raft of questions about the scope of laws that relate to gifts from foreign governments and are intended to thwart corruption and improper influence (Read more at AOL).

Iran says nuclear talks will fail if US pushes for zero enrichment

“Our stance on enrichment is well-known and firm — we consider it a national achievement and will not abandon it,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi said (Read more at Anews)

U.S. presses Israel and Hamas to accept updated offer for Gaza ceasefire

The Trump administration is trying to stave off a massive Israeli operation in Gaza, release more hostages, and allow aid into Gaza to prevent starvation and a humanitarian catastrophe. Now, White House envoy Steve Witkoff has given Israel and Hamas an updated proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal and is pressing the parties to accept it (Read more at Axios)

US Embassy in Libya denies reports over Gaza resettlement plans

In an official statement posted to their X account, the embassy described these claims as “completely baseless” and clarified that no such proposals have been discussed with Libyan authorities or any other parties. The categorical denial directly addresses speculation that appeared in several US news outlets, which had suggested the US administration was considering establishing temporary shelter zones in multiple countries, including Libya, to accommodate Gazans amid the humanitarian situation in the Strip (Read more at Libyan Express).

Iran’s leaders slam Trump for ‘disgraceful’ remarks during Middle East tour

In a speech to a group of teachers gathered for a state ceremony in Tehran on Saturday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said some of Trump’s comments were not even worth responding to (Read more at Aljazeera).

Erdoğan says easing of US defense sanctions under Trump signals end of CAATSA restrictions

“We can easily say that there is a softening in CAATSA,” Erdoğan told reporters on his return from a European summit, referring to the 2017 US law known as the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (Read more at Turkish Minute).

Democrats look to block UAE arms sales, as Trump announces new deals

U.S. congressional Democrats on Thursday sought to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates over its alleged involvement in Sudan's civil war and concern about cryptocurrency ties, the same day Republican President Donald Trump announced $200 billion in new deals with the Gulf State. Democrats Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Brian Schatz and Tim Kaine, and Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, introduced resolutions of disapproval in the Senate that would block three arms sales to the UAE (Read more at Reuters).

Trump announces Etihad's $14.5b deal with Boeing, GE

The agreement comes as part of more than $200 billion in trade deals between the US and the UAE. According to a White House statement, Etihad Airways has agreed to purchase 28 US-made Boeing aircraft – including the next-generation Boeing 787 and 777X models – powered by GE engines (Read more at Express Tribune).

US top diplomat Rubio meets Syrian counterpart

The Secretary affirmed the United States’ support for sanctions relief to stabilize Syria. He welcomed the Syrian government’s calls for peace with Israel, efforts to end Iran’s influence in Syria, commitment to ascertaining the fate of U.S. citizens missing or killed in Syria, and elimination of all chemical weapons. The Secretary underscored the critical importance of protecting the human rights of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity or religion,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement (Read more at ArmenPress).

US 'troubled' by Gaza aid crisis, open to alternative plans, says Rubio

After a joint US-Israel plan to deliver aid into Gaza drew heavy criticism, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday invited alternative suggestions while stressing that the US was troubled by the humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave. "We are for all the aid we can get without Hamas being able to steal it from people" Rubio said (Read more at France 24)

UAE to build biggest AI campus outside US in Trump deal

The deal, which was finalised on Thursday during Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi, is a major win for the UAE, which has been trying to balance its relations with its longtime ally the US and its largest trading partner China. It reflects the Trump administration’s confidence that the chips can be managed securely, in part by requiring data centres be managed by US companies (Read more at HumEnlish).

US Congress: Rashida Tlaib introduces Nakba resolution

Congresswoman says measure aims to recognise forced displacement of Palestinians during the establishment of the Israeli state. “The Nakba is well-documented and continues to play out today,” Tlaib, who is of Palestinian descent, wrote on Twitter. “We must acknowledge that the humanity of Palestinians is being denied when folks refuse to acknowledge the war crimes and human rights violations in apartheid Israel.” The Democratic congresswoman said the resolution is cosponsored by her fellow progressives Betty McCollum, Marie Newman, Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Read more at Aljazeera).

Huckabee visits Yad Vashem

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, visited Yad Vashem on Thursday to pay tribute to the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust (Read more at JNS).

Trump ends Mideast tour with synagogue visit in Abu Dhabi

U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East tour on Friday with a visit to the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, an interfaith complex housing a mosque, church and synagogue (Read more at JNS).

Anti-Israel protesters busted in NYC ‘Nakba Day’ march

Eight anti-Israel protesters were busted during a wild march late Thursday – and cops are still hunting a ski mask-wearing agitator who bashed an NYPD cop in the face with a metal barricade, police said (Read more at AOL).

Podcast: Has Donald Trump taken US-Gulf relations to a new era

Trillions of dollars were pledged during the US president’s three-nation tour of the Gulf this week. So, are the Gulf nations now in sync with Washington on some of the biggest challenges in the region? And is Donald Trump re-shaping the Middle East, or will the Gulf states dictate future US foreign policy? (Listen here)

Trump's AI deals in the Persian Gulf stir China fears back home

President Trump announced multibillion-dollar AI deals between U.S. companies and Gulf countries this week even as many in Washington continue to fear that China could gain backdoor access to advanced AI chips and worry that critical AI infrastructure could end up based outside the U.S (Read more at Axios).

Trump: Iran has to ‘move quickly’ on new nuclear deal proposal

“Iran wants to trade with us, okay, if you can believe that. And I’m OK with it,” the president told host Bret Baier. “I’m using trade to settle scores and to make peace. But I’ve told Iran we make a deal.” Trump confirmed to reporters on Air Force One on his way back to Washington from the Middle East that the U.S. has given Iran a formal proposal for a new nuclear agreement, adding, “more importantly, they know they have to move quickly.” (Read more at The Hill)

Trump acknowledges starvation in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes kill more than 100

The President says the US will ‘take care of’ the situation in Gaza on the final day of the Persian Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi. Israeli officials have consistently denied that the tight blockade imposed on the devastated territory more than 10 weeks ago has caused hunger, and Trump’s comments will be seen as further evidence of tensions between Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s closest ally (Read more at Guardian).

US builds up military presence in Middle East

The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier rerouted from the South China Sea to the Middle East on Monday, a move that will put two U.S. aircraft carriers in the region as the conflict worsens between Israel and Iran. Dozens of Air Force refueling aircraft also left their U.S. bases this weekend in a new deployment to Europe, a preventative measure to support any operations in the Middle East (Read more at Politico).

UN will not take part in US-backed aid effort in Gaza

United Nations: The United Nations said on Thursday it will not take part in a US-backed humanitarian operation in Gaza because it is not impartial, neutral or independent, while Israel pledged to facilitate the effort without being involved in aid deliveries (Read more at deccanherald).

Trump touts 'freedom zone' plan for Gaza

"Gaza has been a territory of death and destruction for many years," Trump said. "I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good — make it a freedom zone. Let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone." (Read more at NPR)

US targets Hezbollah with new sanctions

The United States targeted two senior Hezbollah officials and two financial facilitators with new sanctions on Thursday for their role in coordinating financial transfers to the Iran-backed group, the Treasury Department said (Read more at Reuters).

Elimination of Hamas is what achieves peace, Rubio says in Turkey

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized “the deep U.S. commitment to its historic relationship with Israel and the ironclad U.S. support for Israeli security” in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, according to Tammy Bruce, the State Department spokeswoman (Read more at JNS).

Republicans urge Trump to reject any Iranian nuclear enrichment

House and Senate Republicans urged U.S. President Donald Trump to reject any nuclear deal with Iran that allows the Islamic Republic to continue enriching nuclear material. “The scope and breadth of Iran’s nuclear buildout have made it impossible to verify any new deal that allows Iran to continue enriching uranium,” House and Senate Republicans wrote (Read more at JNS).

Podcast: What do the Gulf states gain from Trump’s trip

US President Donald Trump has signed record-breaking agreements during his state visit to Qatar. It's part of a three-nation tour of the region. A trip that's expected to fetch America billions in new investments. But what do the Gulf states gain from this trip? (Listen here)

US hits Iran’s ballistic missile programme with new sanctions

The US on May 14 unveiled fresh sanctions against six people and 12 firms – including several Chinese nationals – for their support of Iran’s ballistic missile programme. The May 14 sanctions are aimed at organisations involved in “efforts to help the Iranian regime domestically source the manufacturing of critical materials needed for Tehran’s ballistic missile programme”, according to the US Treasury Department (Read more at Straits Times).

Trump Says No Golf, Real Estate Talk In Saudi Meetings

U.S. President Donald Trump, whose family has major business interests in the Gulf countries he is visiting this week, said there was no talk of building a Trump Tower in Syria or golf during his meetings in Saudi Arabia. Trump’s family has forged multi-billion dollar business deals in the Gulf, moves that Democrats and other critics say could open pathways to improperly influence the president (Read more at AOL).

Turkey to discuss roadmap with U.S., Syria after U.S. lifted Syrian sanctions

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday he will discuss the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria and the roadmap ahead in a meeting with his U.S. and Syrian counterparts later in the day (Read more at Investing).

Trump says US close to nuclear deal with Iran, but key gaps remain

“We’re not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran,” he said. “I think we’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this.” Trump said he was basing his optimism on new statements by Iran. “You probably read today the story about Iran. It’s sort of agreed to the terms,” he said (Read more at Aljazeera).

Trump says Qatar will invest $10 billion in US airbase

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Qatar will invest $10 billion in coming years in the Al Udeid Air Base southwest of the country's capital Doha, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East. In a speech to U.S. troops at the base during his tour of the Gulf, Trump also said Qatari defence purchases signed on Wednesday are worth $42 billion (Read more at Awani).

Oil prices settled down 2% on expectations for US-Iran nuclear deal

An Iranian official told NBC News in an interview published on Wednesday that Iran was willing to agree to a deal with the U.S. in exchange for lifting economic sanctions (Read more at Reuters).

US-backed aid group to start work in Gaza by end of May under heavily criticized plan

A U.S.-backed humanitarian organization will start work in Gaza by the end of May under a heavily-criticized aid distribution plan, but has asked Israel to let the United Nations and others resume deliveries to Palestinians now until it is set up. No humanitarian assistance has been delivered to Gaza since March 2, and a global hunger monitor has warned that half a million people face starvation - a quarter of the population in the enclave where Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have been at war since October 2023 (Read more at MSN).

Trump's Syria announcement surprised his own sanctions officials

In Washington, senior officials at the State Department and Treasury Department scrambled to understand how to cancel the sanctions, many of which have been in place for decades, according to four U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The White House had issued no memorandum or directive to State or Treasury sanctions officials to prepare for the unwinding and didn’t alert them that the president’s announcement was imminent, one senior U.S. official said (Read more at Astroawani).

Podcast: what Trump’s ’made-for-TV diplomacy’ means for the Middle East

It was clear during U.S. President Donald Trump's tour of the Gulf states that his foreign policy is in a very "different place" than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's, Washington-based veteran diplomatic journalist Laura Rozen said on the Haaretz Podcast, pointing to the growing divergence in interests between the White House and Israel's ruling coalition, both on Gaza and Iran (Listen here).

As Trump snubs Israel, Gulf states flex their lobbying for an Iran deal

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said an Iranian nuclear deal would increase regional investment, while Trump credits Qatar for pushing talks. Trump also said that Iran should say a “big thank you” to Qatar for lobbying him to strike a deal. Qatar and Iran share the world’s largest natural gas field. “Iran is very lucky to have the emir [of Qatar] because he is actually fighting for them,” Trump said (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Ben & Jerry's co-founder says US-funded 'slaughter' of Gaza not 'American way'

One of the co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream said that he could not call himself an American without putting his “body on the line” after he was arrested during a Senate health committee hearing for protesting against US support for Israel’s war on Gaza (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Israeli and US officials concerned Trump could push F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia

Trump unveiled an arms sales package to Saudi Arabia worth nearly $142bn this week. A White House statement called it "the largest defense cooperation agreement” in American history. Although it didn’t specify which arms the US would sell Saudi Arabia, F-35s are on the table, the officials said (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Jordan's king warned US against assassinating Syria's Sharaa before Trump meeting

US senator says Trump foreign policy officials may have floated 'option' of assassinating President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The remarkable statement by a US senator reveals the deep hostility toward Sharaa in some circles of the Trump administration. It reaffirms Trump's own statements that he has been lobbied directly by foreign leaders to give Sharaa a chance, while his own advisors are sceptical (Read more at Middle East Eye). 

Biden officials "awed" by Trump's rule-breaking Middle East moves

Biden administration veterans who spoke with Axios raised questions about Trump's motivations but grudgingly saluted his boldness. "Gosh, I wish I could work for an administration that could move that quickly," one admitted. "He does all this, and it's kind of silence, it's met with a shrug," says Ned Price, a former senior State Department official under President Biden. "He has the ability to do things politically that previous presidents did not, because he has complete unquestioned authority over the Republican caucus." (Read more at Axios)

Trump meets Syria’s al-Sharaa, eyes normalisation of ties with Damascus

“With the support of the great leaders in this room, we are currently exploring normalising relations with Syria’s new government,” Trump said, confirming his brief meeting with al-Sharaa (Read more at Aljazeera).

Netanyahu, US envoy Witkoff discuss ongoing hostage talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has concluded a series of extended meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and members of the negotiating team regarding the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza (Read more at JNS).

Podcast: What’s the impact of the US lifting its sanctions on Syria

Celebrations in Syria after the US president announced that he's lifting decades of sanctions. Donald Trump says his decision will give the nation a chance at greatness after years of civil war. So, can Syria's new leadership deliver on the hopes of the people and rebuild the country? (Listen here)

Saudi fully supports US-Iran nuclear talks, hopes for positive results

“If, for instance, the US and Iran can successfully conclude their nuclear negotiations, that will remove a huge burden of risk in our region, and will open up significant avenues for even greater cooperation, greater regional integration, greater region cooperation, trade, investment,” in very significant ways, Prince Faisal stated, adding that Kingdom “fully supports” the current nuclear negotiations between US and Iran (Read more at Iran Front Page).

Saudi PIF strikes multibillion-dollar deals with top US asset managers

Saudi Arabia’s PIF, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds with over $900 billion in assets, sits at the heart of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic transformation agenda. Saudi Arabia is in a race to secure more outside money to keep ambitious plans to diversify its economy on track. The country set itself a lofty target to attract $100 billion in annual foreign direct investment by the turn of the decade (Read more at Investing).

US, Qatar deals to generate $1.2 trillion in ’economic exchange’, White House says

The agreements include a $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways to buy up to 210 Boeing (NYSE:BA) 787 Dreamliner and 777X airplanes with GE Aerospace engines, the fact sheet said. They also include a statement of intent that could lead to $38 billion in investments at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and other air defense and maritime security capabilities, it said (Read more at Investing).

Pezeshkian says Iran will ‘not bow’ to bullying from Trump

“He [Trump] thinks he can come here, chant slogans, and scare us. For us, martyrdom is far sweeter than dying in bed. You came to frighten us? We will not bow to any bully,” Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said (Read more at Aljazeera).

Trump gives tech stocks their first Gulf-driven rally

A new "Trump trade" is driving the stock market during US President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf. Chipmakers' shares are soaring as investors bet that Gulf sovereign wealth funds are set to spend billions on their products, which Trump just freed from export controls (Read more at Middle East Eye).

US pro-Palestine group faces 'baseless' legal challenge after winning lawsuit

A Virginia court issued an injunction for a nonprofit group advocating for Palestine to turn over financial documents as part of an investigation by the state’s attorney general (AG) into whether they have provided material support to "terrorist" organisations (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Trump Says It’s His ‘Wish’ For Saudi Arabia to Recognize Israel

President Donald Trump urged Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords while giving a speech in the country on Tuesday as part of his first overseas trip in his second term (Read more at MSN).

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince gives Trump a lavish royal welcome

As Air Force One approached Riyadh, Saudi pilots in six American-made F-15 fighter jets escorted the plane. After a traditional coffee ceremony inside the royal terminal at the airport, Trump’s limousine was flanked by riders on white Arabian horses carrying American and Saudi flags. An honor guard was lined up with golden swords (Read more at AP).

Houthi ceasefire followed US intel showing militants sought off-ramp

US intelligence started picking up indications the Yemeni fighters were looking for an exit after seven weeks of relentless US bombings, four US officials said. US Central Command recommended a campaign lasting at least 8 months. Iran played a significant role in encouraging Houthi negotiations (Read more at Business Standard). 

Nvidia gains 5.6% on AI chip deal with Saudi Arabia, net worth surges to $120 billion

Nvidia stock gained 5.6 per cent on news that it would supply 18,000 AI chips to Saudi Arabia. The company's market value touched $3 trillion (Read more at Livemint). 

Trump lavishes praise on Saudi crown prince

"Saudi Arabia has proved the critics totally wrong," Trump said. Complimenting the gleaming skyscrapers in the desert capital, Trump said: "The transformation that has occurred under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad has been truly extraordinary." "I've never seen anything at that scale happen before," he said (Read more at Jakarta Post).

U.S. new anti-Iran sanctions not compatible with nuclear talks: spokesman

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei slammed U.S. officials for their "contradictory" remarks about what they sought to achieve in the talks, stressing that the other side should regulate their minds and refrain from making contradictory comments. Baghaei said Iran is steadfast in the negotiations and its positions are "determined, clear and unchangeable," adding that Iran has entered the talks seriously as "we have always entered negotiations to achieve results, not to use talks as a tool to waste time." (Read more at Xinhua)

Trump envoys see better chance for hostage release in Gaza

US Special Envoy Adam Boehler and Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, met families of hostages for almost two hours in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Of the 58 hostages held in Gaza, about 20 are said to be alive. US officials told families of hostages still held in Gaza they see a better chance of a deal for their release after Washington reached an accord with militant group Hamas for an American hostage that largely bypassed the Israeli government (Read more at MSN).

Deals take centre stage in Trump's Gulf visit

Here is an overview of major deals and announcements made on the sidelines of Trump's Gulf visit: (Read more at AOL)

US and Saudi Arabia agree to $142bn weapons sale during Trump visit

Tuesday’s agreement is designed to help modernise the Saudi military with “state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen US defense firms”, according to the White House fact sheet. “The first key component of this is upgrading the defence capabilities of Saudi Arabia.” (Read more at Aljazeera).

U.S. Trump, Saudi crown prince sign economic partnership agreement

The partnership includes agreements for energy, mining, and defense (Read more at Reuters).

Saudi Aramco to sign MoUs 6.2M tons of U.S. LNG

Saudi Aramco will sign memoranda of understanding with Sempra and NextDecade for the supply of ~6.2M tons of liquefied natural gas from the U.S., Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said (Read more at MSN).

Podcast: Can Trump Make a Deal with Iran

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, talks about the Trump administration’s diplomacy with Iran. He discusses the failures of the first Trump administration’s and the Biden administration’s approaches to Iran, why Trump’s second time around could lead to a new nuclear deal, Iran’s changing regional geopolitical position, and why a more peaceful US-Iran relationship serves US interests in the Middle East (Listen here).

Israel very worried about ‘state of play in Syria,’ says Graham

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) arrived in Turkey on Tuesday for “the express purpose of assessing the situation in Syria,” the senator stated. Although he would support relieving sanctions on Syria under the “right conditions,” Graham said that it is vital to remember that “the current leadership in Syria achieved its position through force of arms, not through the will of its people.” (Read more at JNS)

Dems against delinking Saudi nuclear agreement from Abraham Accords

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) led eight other House Democrats who are Jewish in a letter yesterday urging U.S. President Donald Trump to keep cooperation with Saudi Arabia on a civilian nuclear program “explicitly” tied to the kingdom’s normalization with Israel (Read more at JNS).

US weighs letting UAE buy over a million advanced Nvidia chips

This quantity far exceeds limits under Biden-era AI chip regulations. The deal, which is still being negotiated and could change, would let the UAE import 500,000 of the most advanced chips on the market each year from now to 2027, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. While one-fifth would be set aside for the Abu Dhabi AI firm G42, the rest will go to U.S. companies building data centers in the Gulf nation (Read more at MSN)

Trump says US adding $1 trillion of investment with Saudi trip

"With this trip, we're adding over $1 trillion more in terms of investment into our country and buying our products," Trump told the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh (Read more at Reuters).

Israel ‘normalisation’ takes backseat as Trump announces Saudi deals

United States President Donald Trump says that forging formal relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be a “dream”, but he wants the kingdom to do it on its “own time” (Read more at Aljazeera).

All Trump's roads lead to the Gulf

On everything from international diplomacy to personal business, hostage negotiations to investment deals, Gulf countries are President Trump's partners of first resort (Read more at Axios).

Ben Shapiro, Laura Loomer lead rare MAGA backlash to Trump's Qatari jet

Top MAGA influencers Ben Shapiro, Laura Loomer and Mark Levin broke sharply with President Trump Monday over his decision to accept a $400 million private jet from the Qatari government. The revolt marks one of the few times since Trump's return to power that key voices in his base have publicly questioned his judgment — revealing cracks in a MAGA coalition built on unwavering loyalty (Read more at Axios).

Hamas approached pro-Trump activist for secret talks that freed Edan Alexander

The backchannel talks that led to the release of Edan Alexander began with a message from a Hamas official to Bishara Bahbah, the former leader of "Arab Americans for Trump," (Read more at Axios).

Trump calls Iran the 'most destructive force,' vows it won't get nuclear weapon

Offering what he described as both a final warning and a potential opening for diplomacy, Trump said Iran has a choice between continuing its "chaos and terror" or embracing a path toward peace. "I want to make a deal with Iran," he said. "But if Iran's leadership rejects this olive branch..., we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure." (Read more at AOL)

Trump seals deals and slams Western 'interventionists' in Saudi Arabia visit

Trump's speech excoriating Western 'nation builders' revived memories of Obama's famous Cairo speech. Time will tell if it ages as poorly. Trump stole the show using his time to lay out a vision for a new world order that discredits an entire class of “interventionists” on the left and right in his own country. “The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called ‘nation builders,’ neocons, or liberal non-profits like those who spent trillions and trillions of dollars failing to develop Baghdad, so many other cities,” Trump added (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Trump announces lifting Syria sanctions

If followed through, it would mark the first time since 1979 Syria was not under US sanctions and could spark a reconstruction boom. "I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness," Trump said to applause and a standing ovation during a speech in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh (Read more at Middle East Eye).

US military replaces B-2 bombers that were sent amid Middle East tensions

Trump announced last week that a deal had been reached to stop bombing Yemen's Houthi group. The B-2 bombers had been used to carry out strikes against the Iran-backed group (Read more at Reuters). 

US approves $1.4 billion weapons sale to UAE ahead of Trump’s Middle East visit

The package includes six CH-47F Chinook helicopters and related equipment valued at $1.32 billion, which the State Department said would support U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. According to officials from the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, the helicopters are intended for use in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism missions (Read more at Daily Observer).

As Trump heads to the Gulf, Israel asks where it stands

"The message to the region was clear: Israel is no longer a top U.S. priority," wrote Itamar Eichner, diplomatic correspondent for Israeli news outlets ynet. One Israeli official said Trump's announcement on the Houthis was "kind of an embarrassment" and that the president acts "for good and for bad" (Read more at Daily Observer).

Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to accept Qatari plane

Despite concerns raised over the president accepting the $400m gift, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday: "I think it's a great gesture from Qatar." The jet is currently sitting at San Antonio International Airport. It is the same plane the US leader toured at Palm Beach International Airport on 15 February (Read more at Skynews).

Podcast: Can Trump Make a Deal with Iran

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, talks about the Trump administration’s diplomacy with Iran. He discusses the failures of the first Trump administration’s and the Biden administration’s approaches to Iran, why Trump’s second time around could lead to a new nuclear deal, Iran’s changing regional geopolitical position, and why a more peaceful US-Iran relationship serves US interests in the Middle East (Listen Here).

No Ceasefire or Prisoner Release in Exchange for US-Israeli Hostage: Netanyahu

Negotiations for a possible deal to secure the release of all hostages in Gaza would continue “under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office. Hamas on Sunday said it would release Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli soldier held in Gaza, as the group revealed it was engaged in direct talks with the United States towards a ceasefire (Read more at Defense Post).

What to know about Trump's history with Qatar, which wants to gift him a plane

Trump's orbit during his first and second administration featured advisers with ties to Qatar. For example, Trump picked Pam Bondi for attorney general, who reportedly made more than $100,000 a month lobbying for Qatar. Son-in-law Jared Kushner's private equity firm, which he formed after leaving the first Trump White House, has taken money from wealth funds in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE (Read more at Axios).

US sanctions individuals, entity with ties to Iranian nuclear-related research

These sanctions are intended to “delay and degrade” Iran’s ability to research and develop nuclear weapons, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Those sanctioned are involved in activities that currently or could potentially materially contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (Read more at JNS).

From AI to weapons, Trump's Gulf visit looks to swap politics for business

In a shaky global economy, countries are scrambling for investments and fighting for every penny they can get. The US’s chokehold on advanced technology, from weapons to AI, is not what it used to be (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Elon Musk invited to attend investment summit in Saudi Arabia

Musk’s reported invitation comes on the sidelines of United States President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East. Elon Musk’s relationship with Riyadh has notably improved since the start of Trump’s second term as United States president. Highlighting this improvement was Tesla’s launch in Saudi (Read more at Teslarati).

U.S. presidential visits to Saudi Arabia in good and bad times

Donald Trump visits Saudi Arabia this week, 80 years after President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid the foundations of longstanding Saudi-U.S. relations based on an ironclad arrangement - the kingdom pumps oil, and the superpower provides security. Here is a timeline of U.S. presidential visits to Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter and one of Washington's most important allies: Roosevelt - 1945, Richard Nixon - 1974, Jimmy Carter - 1978, George H.W. Bush - 1990 and 1992, Bill Clinton - 1994, George W. Bush - 2008, Barack Obama - 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016, Donald Trump - 2017, Joe Biden - 2022 (Read more at AOL).

Iran says fourth round of ‘difficult’ nuclear talks with US ends in Oman

After about three hours of negotiations on Sunday, spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the talks as “difficult but useful talks to better understand each other’s positions and to find reasonable and realistic ways to address the differences” (Read more at Aljazeera).

Israel fully endorses Trump's plan for Gaza aid

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Sunday that Israel fully endorses U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza aid. Trump recently repeated a U.S. pledge to help get food to Palestinians in Gaza. A U.S.-backed mechanism for getting aid into Gaza should take effect soon, Washington's envoy to Israel also said (Read more at MTV).

Trump Tower Damascus? Syria to charm Trump for sanctions relief

A Trump Tower in Damascus, a detente with Israel and U.S. access to Syria's oil and gas are part of Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's strategic pitch to try to get face time with U.S. President Donald Trump during his trip to the Middle East. Jonathan Bass, an American pro-Trump activist, who on April 30 met Sharaa for four hours in Damascus, along with Syrian activists and Gulf Arab states has been trying to arrange a landmark - if highly unlikely - meeting between the two leaders this week on the sidelines of Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (Read more at MSN).

Hamas says it will release US-Israeli captive Edan Alexander

The group confirmed it was engaged in direct talks with the United States towards securing a ceasefire in the war-ravaged enclave and getting aid flowing again to a suffering Palestinian population (Read more at Aljazeera).

Qatar calls reports of pending jet gift to Trump inaccurate

The president might end up with a luxury jumbo jet, but it won’t happen this week. ABC News reported earlier Sunday that a super luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet would become available for President Donald Trump as Air Force One and then donated to his presidential library foundation so he could use it after leaving office. The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, but the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made (Read more at Politico).

Qatar leads Syria search for bodies of US hostages killed by ISIL

Qatar’s International Search and Rescue Group began the search on Wednesday, with the help of several US nationals who wished to remain anonymous. So far, three unidentified bodies have been found by the group, according to the sources. The mission’s focus was on locating the body of aid worker Peter Kassig, who was beheaded by ISIL in 2014 in Dabiq, northern Syria (Read more at Aljazeera).

US imposes Iran-related sanctions on third China 'teapot' refinery, port terminal

The U.S. Treasury designated the Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group refinery and three companies for operating a terminal at Dongying Port in Shandong province. It said they had purchased or facilitated the delivery of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian oil. It was the latest independent Chinese refinery targeted by the Trump administration after it re-imposed a policy of "maximum pressure" that aims to cut off Iran's export revenue to pressure Tehran into a deal to curb its nuclear program and stop the funding of militant groups across the Middle East (Read more at Iran Oil Gas).

Under Trump, Saudi civil nuclear talks delinked from Israel recognition

The United States is no longer demanding that Saudi Arabia normalise ties with Israel as a condition for progress on its civil nuclear programme. Under former President Joe Biden, nuclear talks were an element of a wider US-Saudi deal tied to Riyadh’s goal of a defence treaty with Washington (Read more at Middle East Monitor).

Gulf-US summit to take place in Riyadh next week

Major investments, Israel-Gaza war, Abraham Accords and tariffs are expected to dominate the agenda. Saudi Arabia's King Salman has invited leaders of the Gulf Co-operation Council to attend a Gulf-US summit in Riyadh during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week (Read more at The National).

US says solution for Gaza aid is 'steps away' as aid groups raise alarm

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce gave few details about the new mechanism but referred to a "charitable foundation" that she said would be carrying out the plan. "I was hoping to introduce it today, but the foundation will be announcing this shortly," Bruce said (Read more at Reuters).

Trump met Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer

They discussed nuclear talks with Iran and Israel’s war in Gaza. Dermer met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday and had several meetings in the White House (Read more at Middle East Monitor).

Israel not involved in US plan to distribute food in Gaza

"The Israelis are going to be involved in providing necessary military security, because it is a war zone, but they will not be involved in the distribution of the food, or even in the bringing of the food into Gaza," Washington's ambassador to Israel, Huckabee told reporters in Jerusalem (Read more at France 24).

Republican senators say dismantling nuclear program only acceptable outcome of Iran talks

Iran can have a peaceful nuclear program if the Islamic Republic doesn’t enrich uranium, according to Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.). (Read more at JNS)

Trump doesn't want Netanyahu to spoil his Gulf visit. And it's causing tension

Trump appears to want the Middle East to have a respite from war and mass starvation during his trip to the oil-rich Gulf starting on Tuesday. He is signalling that he can leave Israel in the dust if it doesn’t go along for the ride. The ceasefire with the Houthis had the whiff of an “Aramco moment,” referring to Trump’s decision in 2019 not to respond to a massive drone attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthis on Saudi Arabia’s oil installations. Israeli media reports have said that Trump could unveil a new Gaza ceasefire plan this weekend. According to the reports, Trump could float a role for Hamas in Gaza's future governance (Read more at Middle East Eye).

US-Houthi ceasefire deal does not include Israel

"As long as they announced the cessation (of U.S. strikes) and they are actually committed to that, our position was self-defence so we will stop." Mohammed Abdulsalam, the chief Houthi negotiator said. He reiterated they would also carry out strikes against the U.S. if Washington resumes its attacks on Yemen (Read more at Reuters).

Trump says more information coming on potential new Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal

Two Egyptian security sources told Reuters at the end of April that negotiations held in Cairo to reach a ceasefire in Gaza were on the verge of a significant breakthrough. Hamas still insists on its full-package ceasefire deal in return for an end to the war, while Israel doesn’t want to end the war (Read more at Strait Times).

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after Columbia calls in police

The New York police department arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian activists who occupied part of the main library building on Columbia University’s campus (Read more at Guardian).

Saudi Arabia sits on fence over BRICS with eye on vital ties with US

Saudi Arabia has held off formally joining the BRICS bloc of nations despite attending a meeting in Brazil last week. The issue of BRICS membership has been diplomatically sensitive for Saudi Arabia since it was first invited to join in 2023, and remains so with President Donald Trump due to visit next week and Riyadh negotiating nuclear and technology deals (Read more at AOL).

Seafarers Stranded Off Yemen After US-Houthi Ceasefire Deal

Some 200 seafarers aboard more than 15 ships stuck for weeks off Yemen's port of Ras Isa are preparing to offload cargoes and leave thanks to a ceasefire deal between Houthi militia and the U.S. Still, threat levels for shipping remained high given the Houthis' confirmation that Israeli-related assets remained open to attack and the attendant risks to broader shipping, maritime officials said. Ships with no connection to Israel had been targeted in the past with no certainty of safe passage (Read more at Marine Link).

Podcast: Trump’s Gulf Visit: Strategic Stakes and Symbolic Optics

President Donald Trump is heading to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE on his first foreign trip of his second term, with major investment deals, defense cooperation, and tech diplomacy on the agenda. What are the Gulf states hoping to gain, and what does the trip signal about US policy in the region? Alistair Taylor speaks with Dr. Ibrahim al-Assil, Senior Fellow at MEI, about the goals of the visit, the geopolitical and economic dynamics at play, and how regional powers are navigating a complex landscape shaped by Iran, China, AI ambitions, and the crisis in Gaza (Listen here).

Trump’s Houthi Ceasefire Is Good News for America

So, Trump has negotiated a settlement with the Houthis that will likely entail the U.S. Navy backing away from the disputed regions in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb. That leaves the Israelis, Saudis, and even the Europeans—all of whom have a stake in protecting international commerce through the Suez Canal—to fend for themselves. For now, only one thing is certain: the Americans cannot defeat the Houthis militarily, and their attempts to do so are further weakening the U.S. military in the places that truly matter. Trump is right to find a way out (Read more at National Interest).

Why does Saudi Arabia want a civil nuclear deal with the US

As the world's largest oil exporter Saudi Arabia may not seem an obvious candidate for nuclear power, but it aims to reduce carbon emissions and free up crude for export under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 economic plan. However, Saudi Arabia has also said that if old foe Iran develops a nuclear weapon it would have to follow suit - a declaration apparently aimed at ramping up pressure on Tehran, but which has also fuelled concern about its own ambitions. A nuclear deal could be a sweetener in U.S. diplomatic efforts with the kingdom (Read more at AOL).

US, Israel Reportedly Discuss US-Led Administration in Gaza

Other unnamed nations "would be invited to take part" in the provisional U.S.-led administration, which "would draw on Palestinian technocrats but would exclude Islamist group Hamas and the Palestinian Authority." (Read more at Common Dreams)

Libyan authorities reject report they will take in US deportees

The National Unity government, which controls western Libya, said in a statement that it rejected the use of its territory as a destination for deporting migrants without its knowledge or consent. Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army, which controls eastern Libya, also rejected the report, saying that migrants “will not be received through airports and ports secured by the Armed Forces, and that this is completely false and we cannot accept it at all” (Read more at Aljazeera).

Qatari financing of Syrian salaries gets US go-ahead

Qatar, which is among Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's strongest international backers, had been reluctant to act without the blessing of Washington, which imposed sanctions when ousted leader Bashar al-Assad was in power. Two people briefed on the matter told Reuters that Qatar had been informed about the U.S. greenlight and said the U.S. Treasury Department's office of Foreign Assets Control was expected to imminently provide a letter confirming the initiative was exempt from U.S. sanctions (Read more at Global Banking and Finance).

U.S. bombing dents but doesn't destroy Houthi threat in Yemen

The Houthis can survive pretty much any bombing campaign, said one U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Michael Knights, an expert on Yemen at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think-tank, said the group could recover if weaponry continues to flow from its ally Iran (Read more at Street Insider).

US to merge Palestinian affairs office with Israel embassy, says State Department

The US Office of Palestinian Affairs will now report to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and will be merged with the other sections of the main embassy to Israel in the coming weeks (Read more at: deccanherald).

Iran-born engineer denied bail ahead of US trial tied to drone strike

It is related to a deadly drone attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan carried out by Iran-backed militants last year. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston ruled, opens new tab that the risk that Mahdi Sadeghi might flee was too great to allow him to be released on bond while he awaited trial on charges that he engaged in a scheme to violate U.S. export control and sanctions laws (Read more at Reuters).

Trump says he is not planning to visit Israel as part of upcoming trip

While the White House has never confirmed that Israel would be part of his upcoming trip, there have been widespread rumors in diplomatic and national security circles that he would extend his trip to visit the U.S. ally (Read more at Reuters).

Biden’s Gaza pier was more dangerous and costly than previously known

The aid mission was beset with challenges from the start, including rough seas that tore the structure apart, ships that ran aground and the death of a U.S. soldier (Read more at Washington Post).

US Navy loses 2nd fighter jet in Red Sea in a week

The F/A-18 F fighter jet was attempting a nighttime landing onto the deck of the carrier when the crew was unable to stop it in time before going off the side, according to the official. When the “failed arrestment” of the aircraft became apparent, the two pilots ejected. Both of the pilots were recovered and early indications are that they suffered minor injuries (Read more at ABC News).

US reviews occupation of University of Washington by pro-Palestinian protesters

The US government said on Tuesday it will review an incident at the University of Washington (UW) in which pro-Palestinian protesters occupied a university building while demanding the school cut ties with Boeing over its contracts with the Israeli military. President Donald Trump's administration labelled the incident as anti-Semitic activity. While it praised university and law enforcement officials for their response, it urged the school to take enforcement actions and make policy changes (Read more at Times Live).

What Donald Trump’s Deal with the Houthis Means

The United States has inked a vague agreement with the Yemen-based Houthi Movement (Ansar Allah) to end their fighting in the Red Sea. The shocking announcement immediately raised many questions, not limited to whether the deal includes all Red Sea shipping and Israel—the latter of which the Houthis continue to strike. Yet, even with limited details and conflicting reports about the substance of the agreement, the decision to end fighting with the group marks a crucial moment for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East (Read more at National Interest).

Podcast: What does the US-Houthi ceasefire mean for Yemen

The US president has announced he'll stop attacks on Yemen. Donald Trump says he made the decision after the Houthis assured him they'll end their strikes on American ships in the Red Sea. They had been targeting vessels after Israel launched its war on Gaza. But will Israel also stop its air strikes? And what does this mean for Yemen? (Listen here)

Israel Discusses JASSM Missile Procurement With US

Israel’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) is reportedly in “advanced talks” with the US to procure Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) from Lockheed Martin (Read more at Defense Post).

Sheba Medical Center to open outpost in Boston

Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel, announced on Wednesday that it will open its first U.S.-based health-care startup accelerator in Massachusetts in 2026 (Read more at JNS).

Trump administration urges court to prevent release of pro-Palestinian students

The Trump administration urged a U.S. appeals court on Tuesday to allow immigration authorities to continue to detain students at Tufts University and Columbia University who were arrested after engaging in pro-Palestinian advocacy on campus (Read more at AOL).

Humanitarian aid restrictions by Israel may violate US law

Concern about civilians in Gaza has risen since Republican President Donald Trump, who is a staunch supporter of Israel, began his second term on January 20. The six senators - Chris Van Hollen, Dick Durbin, Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Peter Welch - wrote to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro asking him to launch an investigation by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office of the U.S. government's implementation of laws regarding the delivery of humanitarian assistance (Read more at AOL). 

Saudi Arabia and US to sign mining deal

This move comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its drive to become a global hub for battery and electric vehicle manufacturing. The Kingdom is investing heavily in mining and industrial development as part of its broader strategy to diversify the economy away from oil dependence under Vision 2030 (Read more at Mining.com).

Trump says bombing of Yemen to stop

“The Houthis have announced to us that they don’t want to fight any more. They just don’t want to fight, and we will honour that, and we will stop the bombings,” Trump said. Trump claimed that the Iran-aligned Yemeni group “capitulated” and has promised not to carry out attacks on shipping (Read more at Aljazeera).

Meta suit against Israel's NSO offered rare insight into world of cyberespionage

Israel's NSO Group was handed a $168 million penalty by a federal jury in California on Tuesday for hijacking the servers of WhatsApp in order to hack users of the Meta-owned chat platform on behalf of foreign spy agencies. The case caps a six-year battle between the American social media giant and the surveillance firm. It has also cast an unusual amount of light on the inner workings of the spyware industry (Read more at Yahoo Finance).

Turkish bank appeals Iran sanctions decision to US Supreme Court

The Supreme Court had given Halkbank until Monday to file a petition appealing the October 22, 2024, decision by the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan allowing the prosecution (Read more at Business Standard).

Trump teases ‘very big’ mystery announcement before Middle East trip

"Like as big as it gets, and I won't tell you why. And it's very positive," he declared to journalists from the Oval Office on Tuesday, adding, "It is really, really, positive. That announcement will be made either Thursday, or Friday, or the Monday before we leave." (Read more at The Mirror)

Trump set to rename Persian Gulf in major show of deference to Saudi Arabia

Although Trump has the authority to alter the official US designation, he cannot enforce a global consensus on the name. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which includes the United States as a member, is responsible for ensuring that all the world's seas, oceans, and navigable waters are uniformly surveyed and charted (Read more at The Mirror).

Why Do Only Two U.S. Aircraft Carriers Remain in the Middle East

Rising costs, operational stress, and mounting risks raise questions about long-term strategic effectiveness. The United States has maintained a near-constant presence in the Middle East since Hamas launched its deadly terrorist attack into southern Israel in October 2023. That has included rotating multiple carriers to the region, some of which have been in the Middle East with overlapping deployments (Read more at National Interest).

Trump hails ‘productive’ call with Turkiye’s Erdogan

US President Donald Trump says he wants to work with his Turkish counterpart to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. During the call on Monday, Trump said Erdogan had invited him to visit Turkiye and he had extended an invitation for the Turkish leader to visit Washington, DC. No dates were announced (Read more at Aljazeera).

Window open for Gaza deal during Trump Middle East visit

"If there is no hostage deal, Operation 'Gideon Chariots' will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved," he said, following a decision by the security cabinet to approve an expanded operation (Read more at Reuters).

Iran says its stance on nuclear talks with US remains constant

The spokesperson added that Tehran was flexible regarding the timing of talks and was waiting for details from mediator Oman regarding the next round of negotiations with the U.S. "What matters for us is the behaviour and stances of the U.S. negotiating team," Baghaei said, adding that contradictory statements from U.S. officials were "unhelpful" and would not impact Tehran's determination to defend its fundamental positions, including its right to enrich uranium domestically (Read more at Reuters).

Houthis Report US Strikes After Israel Vows Revenge for Airport Attack

Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Monday blamed Washington for around 10 strikes in and around the capital Sana. The Houthi-run Saba news agency said the strikes included two targeting Arbaeen street in the capital as well as one on the airport road (Read more at Defense Post).

Iran says it will strike back if US or Israel attack

"If this war is initiated by the US or the Zionist regime (Israel), Iran will target their interests, bases and forces - wherever they may be and whenever deemed necessary," Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said (Read more at Business Standard).

Podcast: ’The IDF’s top brass hope Trump prevents a new Gaza operation’

Benjamin Netanyahu's government may have announced plans to intensify its Gaza offensive and call up thousands of reservists – but "many Israelis, and especially the IDF top brass, are actually hoping that President [Donald] Trump will again intervene and reach some kind of deal," Haaretz senior security analyst Amos Harel said on the Haaretz Podcast (Listen here).

US Approves $3.5 Billion AMRAAM Missile Sale to Saudi Arabia

The sale includes 1,000 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, 50 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, and technical support. RTX is the principal contractor, and no known offset agreement has been proposed. The sale requires the approval of the US Congress to go through (Read more at Defense Post).

Trump says the US will help ‘get some food’ to Gaza

President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. would help supply food to people in Gaza while blaming Hamas for the dire humanitarian situation in an enclave that has been devastated by more than 18 months of Israeli bombardments. Trump’s statement during a White House news conference came after Israel approved a plan to take more control of aid delivery as part of an effort to isolate Hamas (Read more at Politico).

Trump will only accept "total dismantlement" of Iran's nuclear program

 Trump's remarks in an "Meet the Press" interview aired Sunday are the first time he's publicly announced the ambitious goal since nuclear talks began with Iran a month ago. GOP senators, evangelical leaders and other Trump supporters have called on the president in recent days to make his position clear regarding Iran's nuclear program (Read more at Axios).

Hegseth plans Israel visit ahead of Trump's Middle East trip

This would be Hegseth's first trip to Israel since taking his role. It comes at a time when the U.S. and Israeli governments are divided over the possibility of military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, and with the war in Gaza and the U.S. military campaign in Yemen ongoing (Read more at Axios).

Podcast: What ‘America first’ means for the Middle East

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher looks back at Mr Trump’s first 100 days in office to understand where his priorities lie in the Middle East and how his policies will shape the region. She speaks to Steven A Cook, senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, and to Mohamad Bazzi, director of the Hagop Kevorkian Centre for Near Eastern Studies at New York University (Listen Here).

How the US dollar's slide will affect the cost of holidays and redirect travel flows

Continued weakness in the US dollar, to which most Gulf currencies are pegged, will make inbound travel to the UAE from countries such as Western Europe, Russia and India cheaper. The US may become more attractive for UAE visitors as they get more value for their dirham compared to Europe (Read more at The National).

Alleged US plans to deport people to Libya 'inhuman,' rights groups say

CNN has reported that Trump officials discussed with a Libyan delegation the possibility of sending non-nationals with criminal records to the country. One source said that administration officials are also seeking to strike a formal “safe country” agreement with Libya which would allow the US to send asylum seekers apprehended at the US border to Libya to process their claims (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Trump family crypto venture tapped as part of $2B Emirati-backed investment deal

An Abu Dhabi state-backed investment firm is making a major $2 billion investment in a crypto business deal that could serve as a major boost for Trump family crypto venture World Liberty Financial. USD1, World Liberty Financial's so-called "stablecoin" -- a digital asset designed to maintain a stable value -- is expected to be used to complete Emirati investment firm MGX's $2 billion investment transaction in crypto exchange Binance, Witkoff said (Read more at ABC News).

US gives initial approval for $3.5 billion missile sale to Saudi Arabia

The arms sale involves 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles, guidance sections and other technical support. The missiles will be built by RTX Corp of Tucson, Ariz (Read more at AP).

US, Israel near deal on aid delivery to Gaza

The United States, Israel and representatives of a new international foundation are close to an agreement on how to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza without it being controlled by Hamas (Resource: Yahoo).

U.S. Forces Withdraw from Two Bases in Eastern Syria

A source told Al Jazeera that a convoy of U.S. forces departed on Friday evening from the Al-Omar and Conoco oil and gas field bases in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, heading toward the Hasakah countryside. The source added that the U.S. forces withdrawing from Deir ez-Zor are repositioning at the Qasrak and al-Shaddadi bases in Hasakah, an area largely controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (Read more at Jordan News).

Iran says US sanctions 'will not change' policy after Trump warnings

"The continuation of these illegal behaviours will not change Iran's logical, legitimate and international law-based positions," a foreign ministry statement said, condemning what it called "pressure on Iran's trade and economic partners". It added that such sanctions have created "deep suspicion and mistrust about the seriousness of America on the path of diplomacy" (Read more at Channel News Asia).

Iraq Receives Two Airbus H225M Multi-Role Helicopters

The Airbus Caracal was developed as a long-range tactical military helicopter designed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue. Iraq has received two H225M Caracal medium-lift helicopters from Airbus as part of a 14-helicopter deal signed last year. The next six units are scheduled to arrive between June and October, with the final batch arriving by early 2026 (Read more at Defense Post).

Oil up 2% as Trump threatens new sanctions on Iran

Trump’s renewed hardline stance toward Tehran—issued just as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks stalled—jolted oil traders and triggered a nearly 2% rise in crude prices. The move could further destabilize global energy markets already facing uncertainty from OPEC+ supply decisions and weakening economic signals from the U.S (Read more at Mehrnews).

Iran accuses US of 'provocative statements' ahead of nuclear talks

Iran yesterday accused the United States of “contradictory behaviour and provocative statements” after Washington warned Tehran of consequences for backing Yemen’s Houthis and imposed new oil-related sanctions on it in the midst of nuclear talks. Yesterday, Washington imposed sanctions on entities it accused of involvement in the illicit trade of Iranian oil and petrochemicals (Read more at Middle East Monitor).

Jordanian sentenced to six years in US prison for anti-Israel attacks

A Jordanian national in Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to six years in U.S. federal prison for threats against and attacks on businesses over their perceived support for Israel, the U.S. Justice Department said. Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 44, described by prosecutors as "a Jordanian national residing illegally in Orlando," broke into a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida, in June 2024, according to prosecutors. He caused more than $450,000 in damage (Read more at MSN).

US says Iran must ‘walk away’ from enrichment

“They have to walk away from sponsoring terrorists, they have to walk away from helping the Houthis (in Yemen), they have to walk away from building long-range missiles that have no purpose to exist other than having nuclear weapons, and they have to walk away from enrichment,” Rubio said in a Fox News interview (Read more at Dawn).

Ex-Obama officials slam Biden’s Gaza policies

Rhodes, who served as deputy national security advisor, says: “Israel doesn’t want to end the war … if they were willing to end the war, they would get the hostages out. The idea that they need to continue to fight the war against Hamas in Gaza - I’m sorry, there’s no security need to do it. You’re just talking about an already traumatised people, including a lot of injured people, who are being bombed in tents with no food and medicine.” (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Saudi Arabia told US to keep Israel normalisation off agenda for Trump's visit

Saudi Arabia has set a ground rule for US President Donald Trump and his entourage ahead of their visit to the kingdom in May: keep talk of normalisation with Israel off the agenda. That was the message delivered by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud during his visit to Washington DC last month to plan Trump’s visit to the kingdom and in follow-up discussions among senior officials (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Palestinian student Mohsen Mahdawi released on bail as he challenges US deportation

Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi was released from US immigration custody on April 30, after a judge ruled he should be free on bail to challenge the Trump administration’s efforts to deport him over his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. Mr Mahdawi, born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, was arrested earlier in April upon arriving for an interview for his US citizenship petition. A judge swiftly ordered President Donald Trump’s administration not to deport him from the United States or take him out of the state of Vermont (Read more at Straits Times).

US Says Hit Over 1,000 Targets in Yemen Since Mid-March

In the latest round of its air campaign since March 15, “USCENTCOM strikes have hit over 1,000 targets, killing Houthi fighters and leaders… and degrading their capabilities,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement on Tuesday, referring to the military command responsible for the Middle East (Read more at Defense Post).

Pentagon chief threatens Iran with consequences for supporting Houthis

“Message to Iran: We see your deadly support for the Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know what the US military is capable of, and you have been warned. You will face the consequences at a time and place of our choosing,” Hegseth wrote on social network X (Read more at UATV).

US-Iran talks postponed, new date depends on US approach, Iranian official says

"U.S. sanctions on Iran during the nuclear talks are not helping the sides to resolve the nuclear dispute through diplomacy," an official said. Oman, which mediated earlier sessions of the U.S.-Iran talks, said on Thursday the next round of nuclear discussions provisionally planned for May 3 would be rescheduled for "logistical reasons" (Read more at Reuters).

Podcast: US can end clashes between Druze, Syrian government

Makram Rabah, an assistant professor at the American University in Beirut, says that Syria's interim president lacks the power to control his own army and that Washington needs to engage with Syria's new government to help defuse sectarian violence and for peace to prevail in the war-ravaged country (Listen here).

Trump asked for free passage through Suez Canal

Trump has made no secret of his belief that US vessels should transit the strategic waterway for free. On Saturday, he publicly demanded as much, saying the canal "would not exist without the United States of America”. One Egyptian MP was reported as characterising the Trump administration's moves as blackmail and rubbished Trump's claim about the canal's existence, saying it was "purely Egyptian" (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Banning Muslim Brotherhood to placate Trump, Jordan in a dangerous path

Hussein saw the Brotherhood as a safety valve, defusing anger in the nation at a time of big conflicts. It also had one asset he cherished: the Brotherhood straddled the Palestinian-Jordanian divide within the kingdom. The reasons for placating Trump are powerful. Jordan is among the world’s largest recipients of US aid, which Trump has already once threatened to cut. Trump also selected Eric Trager, a hawk on Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood, as Middle East adviser on his National Security Council (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Emirates executive says no impact seen from US tariffs, but airline remains vigilant

Emirates, the largest airline in the United Arab Emirates and a key contributor to its economy, is the world's biggest operator of Boeing 777 jets and one of the largest cargo carriers globally. "Things are looking quite positive. But it's something, again, you cannot ignore. There are so many uncertainties out there that we need to watch and monitor", the airline's Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market show in Dubai (Read more at Reuters).

Jordan wins Trump aid carve-out for strategic projects and support

Millions of dollars in US grants for Jordan's largest water desalination project abruptly dried up when President Donald Trump announced sweeping cuts to foreign aid in January. Within two months, support was flowing again, a result of diplomacy that has arguably put the pivotal Middle Eastern state on a more solid financial footing than before the US President’s shock move to reshape global foreign aid in January (Read more at Straits Times).

U.S. backs Israel's ban on the U.N.'s Palestinian aid agency at the World Court

The United States told the International Court of Justice Wednesday that Israel must provide aid to Gaza, but the country does not have to work with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (Read more at NPR).

US approves $425 million Patriot equipment and support sale to Kuwait

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the infrastructure of a major non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the US State Department said in a statement (Read more at Anadolu Ajansı).

Trump's first real estate project in Qatar

The Trump International Golf Course and Trump Villas will be part of the Simaisma beachside development 40 minutes north of the Qatari capital Doha. The $5.5 billion Simaisma development, led by Qatari Diar, is designed as a 7 km-long mega entertainment resort district, anchored by an 18-hole golf course and a Land of Legends theme park (Read more at AOL).

US targets China, Iran-based companies in fresh sanctions

The United States has imposed sanctions on a network based in Iran and China that it accused of procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients on behalf of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps as President Donald Trump's administration seeks to increase pressure on Tehran. The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement said it was targeting six entities and six individuals as part of the action, which comes as the Trump administration has relaunched negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program (Read more at Iran Front Page).

Syria’s foreign minister met State Dept officials in New York

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani has been in the United States for meetings at the United Nations, where he raised the three-star flag of Syria’s uprising. Damascus is keen to hear a realistic path forward from the United States for permanent sanctions relief while conveying a realistic timeline to deliver on Washington’s demands for the lifting of the sanctions (Read more at Arabnews).

US Senate confirms private equity executive Barrack as ambassador to Turkey

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed private equity executive Thomas Barrack, a longtime friend and backer of President Donald Trump, to be U.S. ambassador to Turkey, a NATO member that in recent years has had strained ties with the United States. The Senate confirmed Barrack by 60 votes to 36, with almost all his support coming from Trump's fellow Republicans, who hold 53 seats in the 100-member chamber (Read more at MSN).

UK and US forces launch joint air strikes on Houthi target in Yemen

Britain said it joined US forces in air strikes on a Houthi military target in Yemen overnight, hitting a rebel drone production facility about 25 km (15 miles) south of Sanaa. Britain and the US have also previously conducted joint operations and strikes in Yemen (Read more at France 24).

US tells ICJ that law allows Israel to attack UN agencies that aren't impartial

On the third day of hearings by the World Court in The Hague examining Israel’s legal humanitarian obligations in occupied Palestine, the US rejected the opinion held by the majority of states that Israel has breached international law in its attacks on UN and international organisations during its war on Gaza since October 2023 (Read more at Middle East Eye).

Ben-Gvir concludes US visit with meetings on Capitol Hill

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir concluded his visit to the United States on Monday with a meeting on Capitol Hill with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) (Read more at JNS).

Jordan and US in talks to extradite alleged Jerusalem Sbarro bomber

US officials have entered talks with Jordan about extraditing a high-profile Jordanian citizen who was convicted by an Israeli court for assisting in a deadly attack in Jerusalem. The discussions come at a critical time for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which has banned the Muslim Brotherhood and is wary of its citizens' anger at Israel over the war in Gaza. Jordan and Israel have had a peace treaty since 1994. The extradition of Ahlam Tamimi is being discussed as part of a broader package of deals that Jordan hopes will allow it to obtain more US economic assistance, which has been curtailed with the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). (Read more at Middle East Eye)

US Lost Seven Multi-Million-Dollar MQ-9 Drones in Yemen Area Since March

MQ-9s can be used for both reconnaissance — a key aspect of US efforts to identify and target weaponry the rebels are using to attack shipping in the region — as well as strikes (Read more at Defense Post).

Advanced US Precision Bomb Found Unexploded in Southern Yemen

An unexploded precision glide bomb fired by US forces against Houthi militants was found in Yemen’s southern Shabwah governorate, sparking fears of it falling into enemy hands (Read more at Defense Post).

US glad to work with Syria, will ‘take precautions’ to ensure it’s not being fooled

Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) returned from an official visit to Syria this month with more cautious optimism about the country’s new government than Washington and Jerusalem have mustered. Al-Sharaa has engaged the West, indicating openness to joining the Abraham Accords, and Stuztman and the Syrian leader discussed commerce and Syria’s potential to become a central trade and tourism hub (Read more at JNS).

Alleged ISIS terrorist charged with inciting New Orleans truck attacker

An alleged ISIS terrorist has been arrested in connection with the Jan. 1 Bourbon Street car attack that killed 14 people in Louisiana, according to Iraqi officials. The suspect is accused of inciting Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, to carry out the attack, which also left dozens injured on the famed New Orleans street at the height of New Year’s Eve celebrations (Read more at New York Post).

First U.S. State to Use “Judea & Samaria” in Place of West Bank

The initiative was championed by Representative Mindy McAlindon and supported by American Friends of Judea and Samaria (AFJS). Founders Yigal Dilmoni and Rafi Lizerovitz praised the decision, calling it a powerful step in “spreading the historical truth about Judea and Samaria to the world.” Arkansas’ decision may set a precedent for other pro-Israel states across the country. Governor Sanders, daughter of newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, has made clear her strong support for Israel and its historical claims. Similar legislation is reportedly under consideration in Washington State (Read more at 5 Towns Central).