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
Ethiopia’s reported filling of Nile dam heats up tensions with Egypt, Sudan Cairo is ramping up pressure on Addis Ababa again in tandem with Khartoum's forces. Sudan
Sanders drops opposition to guided bombs sale to Israel Progressives' push to block Israel arms sale falters amid Gaza cease-fire, procedural deadline. United States
US pledges additional support for Lebanon’s army amid financial collapse Lebanon's armed forces are to receive an additional $15 million in US aid. Lebanon
Iraqis flood streets in support of Palestinians A massive protest called by a popular cleric and a conference planned by a political alliance linked to Shiite armed factions bear witness to widespread Iraqi support for the Palestinian cause. Iraq
Top Republicans ask Biden to stand by recent US weapons sale to Israel. Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution to block the Biden administration's sale of precision weapons to Israel, prompting the top Republicans on the House and Senate foreign relations committees to respond. United States
Bernie Sanders introduces Senate resolution to block $735 million weapons sale to Israel Sanders' move will force a vote in the Senate on whether or not to block the arms sale. Washington Pulse
House Democrats move to block Israel arms sale amid Gaza conflict The gesture underscores a groundswell of opposition to Israel's policies among progressive lawmakers. United States
House Democrats back away from delaying Israel arms sale amid Gaza conflict The Biden administration will brief lawmakers on the proposed $735 million sale of JDAM guidance conversion kits and other weapons equipment. Congress
Senate unlikely to block arms sale to Israel amid Gaza conflict The Biden administration aims to provide Israel with additional bomb guidance systems. Palestine
Pentagon evacuates personnel from Israel amid Gaza violence The 120 US military personnel were visiting for a planning conference ahead of a joint exercise with Israeli forces. Israel
Islamic State takes border station in Iraqi desert with 'drug smuggling wali' A recent incident along Iraq’s western border and alleged connections between drug smuggling and Islamic State cells in the area have raised concern. Iraq
Erdogan’s reset with Egypt and the Gulf won’t be smooth The Turkish president wants a change in relations, but his efforts are seen as the result of a failed regional strategy and poor ties with the Biden administration. Turkey
