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
F-35 deal with UAE could benefit Israeli defense industries Israel’s leadership is against the United States selling the Emirates F-35 jets, but if the deal comes through, Israeli defense industries could also benefit. United Arab Emirates
US gives Iraqi Kurdistan peshmerga $250 million worth of Humvees, ammo Washington's ambassador announced the move as some US troops prepare to leave Iraq. Iraq
State Department officials testify before Congress on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said the May 2019 sale did not warrant an emergency certification, but a State official cited the threat from Iran. Saudi Arabia
Tensions between Turkey, Turkish Cypriots escalate The Turkish government and the Turkish Cypriot president have a row in advance of the Oct. 11 presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as tensions have been rising in the eastern Mediterranean; the president has not always been in line with Ankara. Turkey
US B-52 bombers train with Morocco, Tunisia aircraft over Mediterranean The destroyer USS Roosevelt simulated a hostile ship in a US show of force alongside the North African countries. Morocco
Is Syria’s eastern front about to boil over? Another tough week for US-Turkey relations as Erdogan accuses US of "sick mentality." Syria
Intel: US plans to reduce troops in Iraq The Pentagon plans to reduce its current troop presence in Iraq by about one-third as President Donald Trump heads for November's vote on his reelection amid a campaign promise to end US military involvement in conflicts abroad. Iraq
Harris says Biden presidency will not condition aid to Israel The Democrats' vice presidential pick, Sen. Kamala Harris, sought to distance the Biden campaign from emerging party criticism of Israel in recent years. Israel
What’s next for Russia-Iran military partnership? If the arms embargo on Iran ends in October, what arms might Tehran buy from Moscow? Russia
Turkey’s tilt toward Pakistan provokes India’s ire An Indian intelligence reports sees Turkey as becoming a hub for anti-India activities second only to Pakistan. Turkey
Controversy continues in Israel over US F-35 sale to UAE Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says flatly that he did not know about and did not agree to a deal for Americans to sell F-35 stealth jets to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Trump, Kadhimi launch new chapter in US-Iraq relations US offers Iraqi prime minister aid, energy deals and continued cooperation against Islamic State. Iraq
