Iran's barrages hit at least 10 Israeli cities, towns: What to know Iran’s latest wave of strikes on Israel reflects an escalation in strategy since its 2024 strikes, targeting urban centers and involving a broader range of missiles and drones. Iran
As dinar drops, Iraq says embassies safe in light of US-Iran tension The Iraqi dinar fell slightly on Thursday, as the country responds to the latest round of potential escalation between the United States and Iran. Iraq
With UNIFIL under attack, Lebanon says 500 arms depots dismantled Lebanon's prime minister said over 500 arms depots have been removed by the army in the south since the Israel-Hezbollah war ended. His statements coincided with President Joseph Aoun's visit to Jordan, his latest regional stop aimed to revive Arab-Lebanese ties. Lebanon
US general says Israeli strike on Iran would risk troops in region Outgoing CENTCOM Gen. Michael 'Erik' Kurilla said he has provided a broad range of military options to the Trump White House should diplomacy fail to rein in Tehran's nuclear enrichment. Iran
Interview US believes Syria’s Sharaa at risk of assassination, Trump envoy says Tom Barrack US special envoy for Syria
Analysis How the US drawdown in Syria is expected to play out By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis ‘A wild gamble’: Will Israel's arming of Gaza militia backfire? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
In navigating return of Taliban, will Saudi reopen embassy in Afghanistan? If the reported push to reopen materializes, it could help provide some legitimacy to the Taliban government. Saudi Arabia
After Qatar's $20M aid to army, Saudi relief agency grants $10M to Lebanon Saudi Arabia is opening up to Lebanon following years of tensions over Hezbollah’s growing influence in the country. Lebanon
Analysis Somalia eyes fresh external support amid fears of al-Shabab takeover Mogadishu’s counterinsurgency effort appears to be faltering as African peacekeepers prepare to leave, fanning fears of an Afghanistan-like collapse. By Cagatay Cebe In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism
As Lebanon braces, four scenarios for Hezbollah's confrontation with Israel As US officials press their leverage to prevent an Israeli war inside Lebanon, fears of a miscalculation have grown in the last few weeks as both Hezbollah and the Israeli military intensify their clashes. Lebanon
Lebanon holds airport tours to dispel weapons report amid Israel-Hezbollah tension Lebanon has responded to a report that Hezbollah is moving weapons through its international airport with a tour for foreign diplomats and journalists. Lebanon
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Qatar
US Navy rescues 24 crew members after Houthi attack, 1 lost at sea Two cargo ships are at risk of sinking in the Red Sea, abandoned by their crews after Houthi missile strikes triggered US airstrikes on radar sites controlled by the Yemeni rebels. Yemen
Do Lebanon's US Embassy attack, border clashes signal rise in extremism? While armed groups are becoming more active in Lebanon in the wake of regional tensions resulting from the Gaza war, some believe the country is not prone to rise of extremism. Lebanon
Hamas figure says 'no one has any idea' how many hostages left alive Hamas criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks on the cease-fire and blamed Israel for the failure to reach a deal, while a senior official said the group wants more clarity on the Biden administration proposal. Palestine
In Turkey, Qatar defense chief says no plans to expel Hamas The Qatari minister’s remarks came in response to increasing reports that the Gulf state is considering shuttering Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Turkey
US sanctions Palestinian Lion's Den armed group in West Bank The group emerged in 2022 amid an uptick of violence between Palestinians and settlers in Nablus Israel
Attack on US Embassy in Lebanon, Syrian gunman wounded Investigations are ongoing into the shooting incident, which comes amid intensified cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanon
