Qatar wants an apology from Israel for its strike in Doha before it resumes its mediation on a Gaza peace deal, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
Why it matters: Qatar stepped back as mediator after the Israeli strike. The Trump administration believes without Qatari mediation, it will be very difficult to reach a deal to release the hostages and end the war.
The U.S. military conducted a strike on Friday against a vessel that was allegedly transferring drugs, President Trump said.
Why it matters: This was the fourth such strike in recent weeks as part of a broader Trump administration military campaign against drug traffickers off the coasts of Venezuela.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the Trump administration to press Egypt to scale down a recent military build-up in the Sinai Peninsula, one U.S. official and two Israeli officials tell Axios.
Why it matters: Israeli officials say the Egyptian military build-up in Sinai has become another significant point of tension between the countries as the war in Gaza continues.
President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke about a TikTok deal Friday, but details on the social media platform's U.S. future remain unclear.
Why it matters: It's not 100% certain what the deal under discussion entails, though reports have suggested U.S. investors would control most of a new entity with a new app.
The UN Security Council decided on Friday to implement the "snapback" provision of the Iran nuclear deal, reimposing sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 agreement.
Why it matters:Iran will face even stiffer economic pressure, meanwhile international inspectors won't be able to monitor its nuclear material and facilities.
President Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed in a call Friday morning to meet at the APEC summit in South Korea, which begins on Halloween.
Why it matters: This will be their first in-person meeting of Trump's second term. Trump launched a fast-escalating trade war after returning to office but the relationship has shifted onto friendlier terrain, for the time being at least.
