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
Erdogan claims Sudanese coup actually targeted Turkey Now that the Sudanese military has ousted the president who ruled there for three decades, it will be interesting to see how the new administration will approach Omar al-Bashir's longtime friend, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Legacy: Gulf
What does timing of Lavrov’s visit to Cairo mean? Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other officials during his visit to Cairo, focusing on political, economic and security ties between the two countries. Egypt
Turkey's Erdogan loses ally with Bashir's ouster in Sudan The overthrow of Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir after 30 years in power should be making other autocrats such as Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan nervous. Egypt
Turkey exerts its own leverage in F-35 jet standoff with US The latest meeting between Russian and Turkish leaders in Moscow indicates Ankara is poised to escalate tensions by rebuffing US threats over F-35 jets. Turkey
Congress adds new irritant in US-Turkey relations with pro-Cyprus push Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee want to lift the arms sale ban on the disputed island. Turkey
Senators rebuke Egypt as White House rolls out red carpet for Sisi Congress is pushing the Donald Trump administration to take a tougher line on Egypt amid concerns that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will use this week’s White House visit to legitimize his efforts to extend his rule through 2034. Egypt
Iran stumping for support among Iraqi tribal sheikhs Top Iranian officials have been traveling to Iraq to woo tribal leaders and build influence there. Iraq
Pentagon nixes Turkish offer to address S-400 fears The Pentagon will not consider a Turkish proposal to create a bilateral working group to temper US fears over Ankara’s looming acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Turkey
Local election defeat bodes more foreign woes for Erdogan The irreparable setback Turkey’s president suffered in the March 31 municipal polls, coupled with the country’s economic crisis, leaves him in a weaker position vis-a-vis Washington, Moscow and the European Union. Syria
Pentagon holds out hope of salvaging military sales to Turkey Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said today that he expects the Pentagon to deliver the Patriot air defense system to Turkey even as Ankara eyes a fall installation date for the Russian S-400. Turkey
