Pentagon’s top policy chief after US-Saudi Strategic Joint Planning Committee meeting this week: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a critical, longstanding defense partner for the United States that seeks to grow more capable and self-reliant in its defense.”

Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will go to Gaza tomorrow to inspect humanitarian aid sites, per White House

“A new trade corridor connecting Egypt, Saudi, and Iraq is set to enhance Iraq’s position as a key player in regional commerce. The project, led by the Port of NEOM successfully completed its first shipment to Erbil” iraqinews.com/iraq/iraq-tapp…

Reports that US envoy Tom Barrack is no longer on the Lebanon file are not true, per US officials

Poster in Beirut, Lebanon of US President Donald Trump:

Disturbing violence erupted yesterday in Suwayda, and in Manbij. Diplomacy is the best way to stop violence and build a peaceful, lasting solution. 🇺🇸 is proud to have helped mediate a solution in Suwayda and to be co-mediating with 🇫🇷 the reintegration of the northeast into a

US and Saudi officials convened at the Pentagon last week for a high-level forum to strengthen defense ties between Washington and Riyadh. english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-ara…

Hezbollah slams Lebanese government’s decision to begin planning for group to turn over its weapons to the state, claiming the decision serves Israeli interests and says it will act as if the cabinet’s orders are nonexistent

Rubio and Saudi FM Prince Faisal spoke today about Gaza, “including efforts to expand the distribution of humanitarian assistance, free the hostages, and eliminate Hamas.” They also discussed Lebanon and Syria, per State Department readout.

First public comments by Gen. Brad Cooper since assuming his role as the new top US general for the Middle East: “This seizure highlights Iran’s ongoing role as a deliberate malicious actor in the region.”

US approves possible sale of four M142 HIMARS and three International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems to Bahrain for $500M. “The proposed sale will improve Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its ability to provide critical support for the