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
Cracks in Turkish-Russian ties begin to show Mistrust instead of the spirit of mutually beneficial political cooperation is guiding current relations between Ankara and Moscow. Turkey
Gantz, Esper sign US commitment to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz met yesterday with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper; the two ministers signed at the Pentagon a joint declaration over the United States maintaining Israel’s military advantage in the Middle East. Israel
Intel: US Air Force trains with Israel’s newest F-35 squadron Exercise Lightning III focused on offensive air operations involving simulated enemy aircraft and ground targets. Israel
Egypt, Russia to hold joint naval drills in Black Sea, Moscow says Exercise Friendship Bridge 2020 will involve aircraft and ship-based artillery, Russia's Defense Ministry said Egypt
Intel: Turkey to test Russian S-400 air defense system amid tensions in NATO NATO's secretary-general urged Turkey on Monday to seek alternatives to the Russian system, but Turkey plans to test-fire the S-400 this month. Turkey
Intel: Morocco signs 10-year military cooperation agreement with Pentagon The United States is building up its alliances in North Africa amid tensions with Russia and China. Morocco
Intel: Pentagon eyes partnership with Algeria amid competition with Russia, China The United States is looking to bolster military ties with North Africa. Algeria
Armenia recalls Israel ambassador over arms sales to Azerbaijan The diplomatic rebuke came after an Azerbaijani official said Israeli-made drones were being put to use in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Israel
Rockets land in Erbil as US threatens embassy pullout Iraqi Kurdistan’s counterterrorism service said the rockets were fired by paramilitary groups in Ninevah province in northern Iraq. Iraq
The Takeaway: Normalization deals don’t ‘repair damage’ of Trump policies, says US senator Democrat Chris Van Hollen takes apart Trump policies in Middle East; Al-Monitor gets the scoop on the art of the deal in Sudan; Turkey’s militarized foreign policy; the gold standard for nuclear power in the Middle East. United States
Esper, meeting with Gantz, reaffirms commitment to Israel's regional military edge Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz and US Defense Secretary Mark Esper expressed confidence the US would maintain Israel's qualitative military edge United Arab Emirates
Egypt boosts naval power in deal with German shipbuilder Egypt is getting ready to start building its first locally manufactured frigate with the help of Germany. Egypt
