New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Analysis As US rethinks regional presence, Israel shifts focus to destabilizing Iran Uncertain how to interpret the American regional redeployment, Israel is focusing on efforts to destabilize the Iranian regime and stop its nuclear program. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey’s defense exports reach record $5.79B in first 7 months of 2026 The country’s defense and aviation exports have risen to $11.2 billion over the last 12 months, according to Turkey's defense industry agency. Turkey
Analysis Katz riles Iran, US as Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to settle for a brief meeting with President Donald Trump, while his defense minister, Israel Katz, appeared intent on provoking Iran by publicly disclosing sensitive intelligence. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Can Kuwait secure a Saudi-style defense pact with Pakistan? By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Ahead of Trump meeting, Netanyahu lays groundwork for Israel to rejoin Iran war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey needs to build support for new Afghan mission Turkey’s offer to secure Kabul’s airport might turn into a perilous mission unless it reaches some understanding with the Taliban and secures the critical support of regional actors such as Pakistan and Iran. Turkey
US weighs options as Lebanon’s allies move to assist military The Pentagon and State Department are exploring "creative ways" to help the Lebanese armed forces offset their costs amid financial crisis. Lebanon
Israeli army chief heading to Washington to restore mutual trust Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi is scheduled to fly to Washington this weekend, with the mission of restoring trust and cooperation between the sides, especially on the Iranian file. Israel
Turkish troops to remain at Kabul airport after NATO withdrawal The US president has committed to granting Turkey's requests for support to maintaining troops at Kabul International. Turkey
After Netanyahu, Israel’s Bennett revives paralyzed security Cabinet Contrary to former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who sidelined and paralyzed the security Cabinet, Israel’s new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett turns it back into an essential link within the decision-making process. Israel
The Takeaway: Pragmatism is the new watchword in US-Turkey relations Plus: A fresh start for Israel; Iran’s hard-line front-runner on the issues; Egypt’s faltering Palestinian mediation; Saudi-Syria talks; Golani’s makeover. Turkey
Gulf states want Iran deal talks to address Tehran’s missiles program, support for proxy groups The Gulf Cooperation Council’s statement on Wednesday echoed similar demands from members of Congress. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
NATO looks to Qatar for base to train Afghan forces NATO is asking Qatar to host Afghan security forces for future training after withdrawal looms. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s muddled approach to Palestine Ankara sees a recently ratified security cooperation deal between Turkey and the Palestinian Authority as groundwork for a possible maritime boundary agreement between Turkey and Palestine. Experts see such prospects as far-fetched. Turkey
Will Washington buy Ankara’s ‘drone crescent’ against Russia? Scrambling for a thaw with Washington, Ankara hopes to draw on the success of its military drones — battle-proven against Russian weaponry — to cast itself as a key partner in US efforts to contain Russia in eastern Europe and beyond. Turkey
Iran to acquire Russian high-resolution recon satellite Russia is set to give Iran a satellite that could spy on Tehran's potential military targets. Russia
Intel: US engages Turkey over Kabul airport security Ankara could leave some troops in Afghanistan if Washington provides support. United States
