Defense/Security cooperation

US Army Specialist Brandon Sapikowski checks a Patriot Missile Launch Station, on Feb. 4, 2003, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

US approves $400M deal to upgrade Kuwait’s Patriot air defenses

The planned recertification marks Washington’s latest show of military support for Gulf Arab states, as the US prepares for a potential confrontation with Iran over its nuclear enrichment program.

A column of Russian missile S-400 Triumf systems drives on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow, on May 9, 2024.

Top US senator: No F-35 jets for Turkey until Russia's S-400 missiles 'gone'

Republican Sen. Jim Risch made the statement during the nomination hearing for Tom Barrack to be the next US ambassador to Turkey. Barrack emphasized Ankara's strategic role in countering Iran in the region and promoting stability in Syria.

US President Donald Trump walks toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, on March 28, 2025, in Washington.

After major arms sales, Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar: What to know

The president is urging Gulf countries to increase their investment in the US after a series of bilateral economic and defense deals in recent months.

Sharvit

Meet Eli Sharvit, Trump critic and Netanyahu's outsider nominee to lead Shin Bet

In a surprise move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated former Israeli naval commander Eli Sharvit to become Shin Bet chief despite his lack of intelligence experience.

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Analysis

Turkey sees opportunity with Trump to weaken Kurdish bloc, acquire F-35

OVEMBER 13: U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands during a press conference in the East Room of the White House on November 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. During their meeting, Trump and Erdogan were scheduled to discuss Turkey's purchase of a Russian air defense system as well as the Turkish offensive against the Kurds in Syria. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Analysis

Drones and diplomacy: Can Turkey help Somalia fight Al-Shabab?

Somali security forces personnel and police secure the area at the scene of a car bomb explosion in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 9, 2016. Islamic jihadists killed three police officers in a bomb and gun attack on a police station in the Somali capital, city authorities said. / AFP / MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB (Photo credit should read MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB/AFP via Getty Images)

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

What the Signal chat leak reveals about Trump’s Middle East policy

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth participates in a TV interview outside of the White House on March 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Hegseth visited the White House to join U.S. President Donald Trump in announcing the Next Generation of Air Dominance (NGDA) program, the F-47, the sixth-generation high-tech Air Force fighter to succeed the F-22 Raptor. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

US, Turkey to begin technical talks on CAATSA sanctions, F-35 acquisition

Fidan and Rubio

Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan addresses the audience during a press briefing to review the past year and to share insights regarding regional and global developments, Istanbul, Greece, Jan. 10, 2025.

Turkey’s Fidan heads to Washington with F-35, Syria high on agenda

Turkey's foreign minister will push for F-35 deal and strengthened counterterrorism cooperation with the United States, according to a Turkish diplomatic source.

U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 27, 2018) U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Rey White, an aviation boatswains mate handler with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), launches an F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), before the F-35B's first combat strike, Sept. 27, 2018. The Essex is the flagship for the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th MEU, is deploye

Analysis

F-35s back on table? Erdogan courts Trump to revive US-Turkey defense ties

Experts are optimistic that three major areas can see improvement in Ankara-Washington ties after a phone call between the US and Turkish presidents.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

An Iran-made missile and its launchers are exhibited during a rally that marks the 46th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, on February 10, 2025. (Photo by Hossein Beris / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Exclusive

Israel to push Trump on Iran attack plan on high-stakes Washington visit

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi will lead the multiagency Israeli team to the talks with US national security adviser Michael Waltz and State Department and Pentagon officials in Washington next week.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Men check the damages in an area struck by a US airstrike in Huthi-controlled Sanaa on March 20, 2025. Israel said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on March 20, as the Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed to have targeted Ben Gurion international airport. The United States, Israel's main backer, has pledged to hit Yemen with lethal and overwhelming force until the Huthis stop their harassment campaign. (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS / AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Can US halt Houthi attacks without getting embroiled in Gaza, Yemen wars?

The White House greenlit renewed air offensives in Yemen and in Gaza this week as the Pentagon insists it's not getting dragged into Middle East wars. What is President Donald Trump’s endgame?

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre addresses the 78th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, on Sept. 23, 2023.

Somalia sacks defense minister, close friend of Turkey: What to know

Somalia’s prime minister announced a major overhaul of a slew of cabinet positions, including that of the country’s defense minister who has spearheaded closer ties with Turkey.

United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is welcomed by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upon arrival at the Borgo Egnazia resort for the G7 Summit hosted by Italy in Apulia region, on June 14, 2024 in Savelletri. Leaders of the G7 wealthy nations gather in southern Italy this week against the backdrop of global and political turmoil, with boosting support for Ukraine top of the agenda. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

How Italy’s defense deals with UAE, Turkey signal shift in Europe’s industry

Key defense partnerships strengthen Italy’s position as a leading arms supplier to the Middle East while highlighting broader shifts in how European defense industries adapt to a changing global arms market.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

TOPSHOT - A Palestinian boy picks flowers close to the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

US, Israel looking to resettle Gaza's Palestinians in Somalia, Somaliland, Sudan: Report

Israeli and American officials have been in contact with Sudan, Somalia and Somaliland for the possible resettling of Gazans there, the Associated Press reported.

Eurofighter jet

Turkey receives price offer for 40 Eurofighter jets amid Trump-EU rift

Ankara's Eurofighter procurement plans are progressing as mutual intents grow in defense cooperation between Ankara and European capitals.

Diplomatic advisor to the United Arab Emirates President Anwar Gargash arrives to attend the opening ceremony of the Summit on peace in Ukraine, at the luxury Burgenstock resort, near Lucerne, on June 15, 2024.

UAE's Anwar Gargash visits Iran to deliver Trump's letter: What to know

Anwar Gargash's visit to Iran as an interlocutor would mark the Emirates' foray into mediating between Washington and Tehran, a role Abu Dhabi is uniquely placed to play.

Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, March 10.

Analysis

Ukraine ceasefire showcases Saudi Arabia's diplomatic role under Trump

Ahead of Ukraine's high-stakes negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war with the US on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday.

Jennifer Gnana

By Rosaleen Carroll , Jennifer Gnana

Walid Jumblatt (L), the Druze former leader of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), attends a meeting with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

After SDF agreement, Syria's Sharaa meets Druze leaders seeking deal

Syria’s government has yet to confirm an agreement with Druze leaders and factions in Suwayda to integrate the province into state institutions.

Haifa port

Turkey blocks Israel from NATO crisis response drill amid Gaza row: What to know

The diplomatic conflict between Turkey and Israel over the Gaza war has spilled over into NATO.