Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
US says Sudan warring parties back withdrawal plan as donors pledge $700M in aid State Department senior adviser Massad Boulos announced Tuesday that a "comprehensive peace plan" has been approved by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though it still needs to be approved by Sudan's warring parties. Sudan
Lebanon’s army chief in Washington as Hezbollah disarmament enters critical phase Gen. Rodolphe Haykal is seeking US support for what is likely to be a cautious approach to expanding the geographic scope of the Lebanese army's efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon
RSF shells Sudan’s Kordofan as US-Saudi truce plan stalls: What to know Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have launched drone and artillery attacks in Dilling, just a week after the Sudanese army said it broke a nearly two-year siege on the town. Sudan
Analysis Israel ups Iran intel sharing with US, expects Trump to strike within 'weeks' By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel's Vietnam: As Netanyahu pushes Gaza City takeover, military warns of endless war The plan to extend Israeli control beyond the 75% of Gaza it now holds ignores warnings by military chief Eyal Zamir and the public's desire to end the war. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel's security cabinet approves takeover of Gaza City Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to launch an operation to overtake Gaza City despite objections by the Israeli military and warnings by families of hostages such a move would get their loved ones killed. Israel
Lebanon cabinet backs Hezbollah disarmament as US urges year-end deadline Lebanon’s cabinet approved Thursday the goals outlined in a US proposal on the complete disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for the end of Israeli attacks on the country. Lebanon
Sudan PM visits Egypt as Khartoum claims downing UAE plane: What to know Just a day before the visit, Sudan’s military said it shot down an Emirati plane carrying Colombian mercenaries for the RSF, prompting outrage from Colombia. Sudan
Syrian forces dismantle ISIS cell near Turkish border: What to know Syria says it has thwarted a number of ISIS plots in 2025 as the group seeks to exploit sectarian tensions in the country. Syria
Israel's Netanyahu, army chief face off over possible Gaza City offensive Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir opposes plans to take control of Gaza City, where some 800,000 Palestinians reside. Israel
Lebanon tasks army with plan to control weapons as Hezbollah rejects disarmament Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the session, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the army must draft its plan and present it before the government for review before Aug. 31. Lebanon
Senate defense spending bill would restrict US troop drawdown from Syria Washington plans to zero out stipends for Iraqi Kurdistan’s peshmerga forces but will continue funding Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces via its counter-ISIS authorities at least through 2026. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
As Trump warms to Syria, US pushes UN to lift Sharaa sanctions The move comes as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prepares to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next month. Syria
Analysis Collision course: 'Desperate' Netanyahu pushes Gaza takeover plan as military balks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is poised to escalate the military operation in the Gaza Strip and may even order the Israeli army to seize control of all of Gaza. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Over 600 former Israeli security officials call on Trump to end Gaza war Former Israeli security officials, including former heads of the Mossad, the Shin Bet internal security agency, the Israeli military, Israel police and ambassadors are pleading with Trump to pressure Netanyahu to end the war. Israel
US Senate approves Joe Kent as US counterterrorism chief: What to know Kent’s nomination raised alarm among Democrats due to his history of promoting right-wing conspiracy theories and recent efforts to pressure a senior intelligence official to revise an assessment that contradicted Trump administration narratives. United States
