Edward Finkelstein

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström called Saturday's meeting with the Iranian Football Federation in Istanbul "very constructive." He said he couldn't wait to welcome the Islamic Republic of Iran to the World Cup.

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from the Turkish port of Marmaris on Thursday, making its third attempt to reach Gaza after two previous departures ended in interception by Israeli forces. 

Lebanon has taken an unprecedented step against Iran, filing a formal complaint with the United Nations on 21 April accusing Tehran of interfering in Lebanese sovereign decisions and dragging the country into a "devastating war." 

France and Algeria have taken a significant step toward normalising their bruised relationship, as French Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday and agreed a roadmap to "intensify" bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and defence.

There are gestures that speak louder than policy papers. Pedro Sánchez made one on Thursday.

The United Arab Emirates has signed a landmark defence agreement on Monday, acquiring 10 Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft in what the Brazilian manufacturer describes as the largest international deal ever signed for the type. The contract also includes options for additional units.

The United States has approved more than $8.6 billion in arms sales to key Middle East allies, the State Department announced Friday, as Washington moves to bolster the defences of countries targeted by Iranian strikes since the conflict erupted on 28 February.

Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, known as "Loyalty to Resistance," issued a statement Friday rejecting and condemning all direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, declaring that "any outcome or result from this diplomatic process is of no concern to us whatsoever."

A new Statistics Lebanon poll, cited by Mideast Journal, reveals a striking level of support for normalisation within the Christian community, a significant data point as Beirut and Jerusalem engage in unprecedented direct talks.

Qatar's Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, held talks Wednesday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, in a meeting that underscored the growing warmth between the two countries.

Jordan's King Abdullah II met Tuesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the situation in the Palestinian territories, with Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II also in attendance.

Tens of thousands of Druze from across Israel converge on the Galilee for their most important annual religious gathering, honouring the Prophet Jethro.