American politician, diplomat, and Baptist minister
The UAE has emerged as a more direct participant in the Iran conflict, with reports that it carried out strikes against Iran, including an attack on the Lavan Island refinery. The ceasefire holds but regional tensions are rising as Gulf states respond to Iran's actions and to allied pressures from the US and Israel.
Israel’s prime minister has said he has made a secret March 26 trip to Al‑Ain to meet UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and has called it a “historic breakthrough.” The UAE has denied the visit. Multiple outlets have reported broader Israel–UAE defence cooperation during the Iran war, including Iron Dome batteries and alleged intelligence coordination.
Lebanon and Israel are engaging in Washington talks as a three-week ceasefire extends, with negotiators seeking to end violence and secure Lebanese sovereignty while Hezbollah remains a central hurdle. The talks are the third round and aim to map a framework for a future peace and Hezbollah disarmament, amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
The UAE has reaffirmed its sovereign-rights to respond to threats after Iran-linked strikes and at BRICS discussions in New Delhi. Officials say around 3,000 drone and missile attacks have targeted civilian sites since the Feb. 28 start of the US-Israel war on Iran, and the UAE is coordinating with partners while asserting it will deter aggression.
Israel has intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters and detained about 430 activists. National security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir has posted footage showing bound activists kneeling while he taunts them; the video has provoked condemnation from multiple governments, Israeli ministers and rights groups, and rapid deportations of the detainees.
Eight Muslim-majority states have condemned arson attacks on two West Bank mosques, attributing responsibility to Israel as settlers have ignited a wave of violence in the occupied territory. Reports describe scorched walls, graffiti including calls for vengeance, and damage to religious sites. The incidents follow a period of rising settler violence since the Gaza war began in 2023.
The United States and Iran have signed an interim accord to end the war in the Middle East, but the fragile agreement is being tested as Israel accelerates attacks in southern Lebanon. Talks were set to begin in Switzerland within 60 days, but recent bombardments and political pressure threaten any rapid progress.
The Times of Israel, Axios, Al Jazeera and other outlets report on a forthcoming White House meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, as they reaffirm shared goals on Iran. Trump has publicly asserted control over talks while Netanyahu emphasizes a strong US-Israel alliance. A NATO summit and ongoing ceasefire negotiations frame the context for possible joint actions and strategy.
Democrats are confronting internal divisions over US military aid to Israel as a Massie-sponsored amendment fails in a 314-104 vote, revealing a party fault line between left-wing critics and pro-Israel centrists. The outcome has sparked warnings from leaders that policy may shift under public pressure and shifting views among constituents.