Links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, the Cradle, and CNN News; others or at least headlines are accessible by clicking on their names or initials. (Scroll up or down for LEBANON, WEST BANK, CUBA and MEDIA, and for IRAN 5-21-26.) — MCM

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Qatari negotiating team in Tehran to try to help secure U.S.-Iran deal to end war. From Reuters. A Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran today in coordination with United States to try to help secure a deal to end the war with Iran and resolve outstanding issues, according to a source ‌with knowledge of the matter. READ MORE . . .

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Washington hits pause on $14bn Taiwan arms deal to divert weapons to West Asia. From the Cradle. Washington will halt a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan to redirect the munitions toward its war effort against Iran, Taiwanese acting navy secretary Hung Cao told lawmakers during a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee session on Thursday. READ MORE . . .

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FROM MAY 21  Iran rebuilding military industrial base faster than expected, already producing drones, according to U.S. intel, by Zachary Cohen and Natasha Bertrand | CNN  Iran has already restarted some of its drone production during the six-week ceasefire that began in early April, one sign it is rapidly rebuilding certain military capabilities degraded by U.S.-Israeli strikes, according to two sources familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments. READ MORE . . .

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