Normalization pacts between Israel and Arab states, initiated 2020
Israel has maintained a hard line on Iran, pressing for a broader Arab-Israeli unity government while Washington pushes a diplomatic path toward Tehran; observers warn the u.S.-Israel alliance faces renewed strain as Iran-focused diplomacy unfolds and Gulf states recalibrate ties.
The United States has proposed a civilian nuclear partnership with Saudi Arabia, promising non-enriched facilities and no snap inspections. Critics warn it could trigger a regional nuclear race while allies voice concerns about proliferation and regional stability.
Netanyahu has met with Trump in Washington to review three approaches to Iran: a diplomatic deal, sustained economic pressure with a blockade, or a renewed military campaign. The discussions, conducted without public detail, aim to determine the path that best prevents a nuclear Iran while considering global energy impacts.
The latest briefing shows heightened tensions as the US and Israel pursue a coordinated approach against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Netanyahu and Trump signaling strong allied resolve while private channels caution over escalating rhetoric.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact, but President Donald Trump has said the deal is conditional on Riyadh normalising relations with Israel. Officials and commentators are disputing whether the White House and Energy Department coordinated the announcement. Critics warn the pact weakens non‑proliferation safeguards and could spur a regional arms race.
Since Thursday, tens of thousands have crossed into Ceuta, triggering a cross-border crisis. Spain reports dozens of deaths and ongoing efforts to account for victims as migrants return to Morocco. The political fallout involves Spain, Morocco, and wider EU concerns about migration policy and regional stability.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a renewed crisis as multiple football confederations have pulled endorsement ahead of the 2027 re-election. While CAF and CONMEBOL continue to back him, UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC have joined calls for accountability after the aborted plan to privatize World Cup revenues. Trump has publicly backed Infantino, calling replacing him a terrible mistake.
President Donald Trump has submitted a 30-year civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, starting a 90-day review. The deal would allow U.S. firms to export civilian nuclear technology and build AP1000 reactors. The White House says the pact will only move forward if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
Argentina’s president has announced sanctions on firms involved in the Sea Lion offshore oil project, threatening penalties for shareholders and directors. The two owners, Navitas and Rockhopper, have Israeli links. Sea Lion’s first oil is projected for 2028 with a $2.2 billion capex. Navitas and Rockhopper say licences are valid and unchanged by the threat.
Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of repeated "provocative and hostile" actions and giving the UAE ambassador 48 hours to leave. Algeria has closed its airspace to UAE-registered aircraft while allowing commercial flights to and from Algiers until the end of 2026. The UAE has said it hopes the move will be temporary.
Spain has approved a bill to grant Spanish citizenship to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before 1977, with descendants eligible by naturalisation. The measure, backed by the government, faces Senate approval and could affect 70,000–120,000 people. The move follows Spain’s shift in Western Sahara policy in 2022 and comes amid ongoing Ceuta migrant tensions and Franco-Merman diplomacy.
Spain and Italy have extended reciprocal border controls for another 15 days amid migratory tensions linked to Ceuta. Italy cites internal security risks as it keeps restrictions on passengers from Spain. Separately, Spain’s parliament backs citizenship for Western Sahrawis born before 1977, a move amid Morocco-Spain tensions.
Leaders from Israel and Morocco have agreed to elevate diplomatic missions to embassies and appoint ambassadors, expanding flights and boosting economic ties. The move comes in a US-hosted New York meeting with Morocco and US backing, reflecting a broader Abraham Accords framework.