Defense/Security cooperation

Saudi Air Force advanced F-15SA fighter jets perform during a ceremony in Riyadh on Jan. 25, 2017.

Analysis

2025: Why Gulf defense megadeals finally met reality

From fighter jet debates to drones and megadeals, Gulf defense planners are shifting from political signaling to tangible results.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

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

ABIR SULTAN / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Eyeing Turkey, Netanyahu boosts Greece, Cyprus ties ahead of US visit

Worried about the increasing empowerment of Turkey across the Middle East, Israel is making a show of neighborhood strength with Greece and Cyprus.

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

A view of a concrete wall built by Israel near the Blue Line in Maroun al-Ras, Lebanon, on Nov. 13, 2025.

Analysis

France seeks to bolster Lebanon's army through UNIFIL coordination, donor conference

France believes that the key to stabilizing the region is bolstering the Lebanese military so it can regain control over the south of the country.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Syria's security directorate in al-Bukamal seized SAM-7 missiles being prepared for smuggling into Iraq, on Dec. 22, 2025.

Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know

The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS.

Latest News

Italy pledges to maintain troops in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL withdrawal

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto (Middle-L) meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) in Beirut at Baabda Palace, on Dec. 22, 2025.

Laced with intrigue: What did Tom Barrack’s shoes reveal about US-Turkey ties?

US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, showed up at a Dec. 16 meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan

Analysis

How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT - OCTOBER 13: U.S. President Donald Trump and President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi clasp hands as they speak to the press before their meeting on October 13, 2025 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. President Trump is in Egypt to meet with European and Middle Eastern leaders in what’s being billed as an international peace summit, following the start of a US-brokered ceasefire deal to end the war in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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

Analysis

Turkey rebuffs air-defense criticism after drone shot down near Ankara

KEMAL ASLAN/AFP via Getty Images

Ezgi Akin

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

Lavrov and Shoukry

Russian FM’s visit to Egypt helps counter Erdogan’s regional moves

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Cairo is seen as a further cementing of increasing Russian-Egyptian ties and as a counterpoint to the Ukrainian president's visit to Turkey.

Smoke from a presumed drone or artillery strike on Oct. 3, 2020, in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh.

Canada cancels permits for drone technology sales to Turkey

Ottawa previously suspended the exports after Canadian components were used in the Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Kadhimi and Maktoum

Kadhimi deepens cooperation with Saudi Arabia, UAE in Gulf tour

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is pursuing two-track diplomacy, expanding cooperation with both Levant and Gulf countries.

Iraqi-US strategic dialogue

Where will new round of strategic talks with US take Iraq?

Iraq and US agreed on shifting the anti-IS coalition to training and support only, working on ending the presence of any combat forces.

US troops in Jordan

Critics react to US-Jordan defense agreement

The Jordanian government bypassed parliament and approved a controversial agreement signed between Jordan and the United States that regulates the status of US forces present in the kingdom, which raised much controversy.

fremm frigate

Italy advances arms deals with Egypt despite opposition

As Egypt becomes one of the world's largest importers of arms, Italy is seeking to sign additional arms deals with the North African country despite sour bilateral relations in light of Egypt’s human rights record.

mustafa al-kadhimi

Iraq, US to resume new round of strategic dialogue

Iraq and the US have agreed to resume strategic talks over their mutual relationship and further US troop withdrawals.

Lt. Col. Jace Neuenschwander signs a document in Mosul

Intel: US, Iraq to renew talks over troop presence in April

The Biden White House accepted Baghdad's request to kickstart strategic dialogue

Colin Kahl

Former US, Israeli officials voice support for Biden's Pentagon policy pick

Former US ambassadors and retired Israeli generals are among those backing Colin Kahl for the Pentagon's top policy role.

Washington Pulse

Intel: Saudi Arabia seeks Turkey’s drones, Erdogan says

Riyadh's request could provide an opening for Ankara, which is also seeking to repair ties with Egypt.

A thaw in Turkey’s relations with Egypt?

Gulf Cooperation Council reconciliation may have set in motion Ankara’s desire for a reset with Cairo.

idf drill.png

Israel, Cyprus, Greece conduct naval exercise amid tensions with Turkey

France also sent naval assets for the first time since last year's joint exercises.