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
US captures Islamic State official in Syria as fighting renews among allies The US military said it captured a senior IS official in Syria on Saturday, as renewed fighting Monday between Kurdish-led forces and Arab tribes in Deir Ezzor raised new questions as to the open-ended nature of the US mission. Syria
Suspected Israeli strikes in Syria hit military sites in Tartus, Hama Several Syrian military sites were targeted in two rounds of airstrikes in Tartus and Hama, leaving at least two soldiers dead and causing material damage. Syria
Gaza Palestinian factions hold drills amid infighting in Lebanon’s refugee camp Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk arrived in Beirut to discuss an end to the fighting between rival Palestinian factions in Ain al-Hilweh camp. Palestine
US unveils sanctions on Hezbollah operatives in South America, Lebanon The targets include one of Hezbollah's alleged operational members behind the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association bombing in 1994. Lebanon
Mossad chief warns Iran leadership of retaliation, says Israel foiled 27 attacks In an unusual direct threat, Israel's Mossad chief warned Tehran decision-makers that Israel will come after them should Iran hurt any Jew or Israeli. Israel
Russia maintains Libya role after Wagner's mutiny, Prigozhin's death A senior defense official visited eastern Libya to meet with the Libyan National Army and assure them that Russian support would continue. North Africa Pulse
Lebanon: Backlash as MPs introduce bill to decriminalize LGBTQ+ relationships Some Lebanese leaders have intensified their campaign against the LGBTQ+ community after news emerged of a bill to repeal an anti-LGBTQ+ provision of the Penal Code. Lebanon
Hamas, Hezbollah lash out at Bahrain as Israeli FM concludes visit Hamas criticized the visit as Israel’s relations with the island kingdom continue to improve, despite historically high tensions with the Palestinians. Israel
Syria: clashes in Damascus countryside with Maher Assad brigade leave 5 dead The residents of Zakia town had been raising anti-regime banners, and a man was killed by local militias affiliated with Maher al-Assad’s Fourth Division this week. Syria
US welcomes conviction of Iranian, 4 Iraqis for killing American citizen Stephen Troell, an aid worker in Baghdad, was killed in November when gunmen opened fire on his car. Iraq
What's behind rare intra-Palestinian clashes in West Bank The rare clash between the Palestinian Authority and local Palestinians came amid increased Israeli security raids in the territory. Palestine
Analysis Does Israel’s government want to curb deadly crime wave in Arab sector? Despite electoral promises, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has nothing to show in terms of stopping spiraling violence in Arab Israeli towns and villages. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense