Defense/Security cooperation

DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty Images

CENTCOM chief meets Syrian Kurdish leader in push for postwar unity

A senior US Navy admiral joined Trump envoy Tom Barrack in efforts to break the impasse between Syria’s Kurdish-led forces and Damascus on postwar unification.

Turkish air force fighter jets fly over a parade during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 2024, in occupied northern Nicosia, Cyprus.

Analysis

Jet lag: Turkey weighs alternatives as US sanctions stall Kaan engine imports

Turkish defense experts say delays in engine approvals could slow the country’s fifth-generation fighter, yet Turkey has alternatives to maintain its offensive and defensive capabilities.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Lebanese army soldiers and security forces deploy near a vehicle that was hit by a reported drone-strike at the entrance of the village of Barja, about 30 kilometres south of Beirut, on Sept. 9, 2025.

US approves $230M for Lebanon’s push to disarm Hezbollah

New US funds for Beirut signal rare bipartisan approval for progress by Lebanon's security forces as they dismantle Hezbollah weapons caches, but significant risks remain as the militant faction resists full disarmament.

Iran's defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, attends a meeting in eastern China's Shandong province on June 26, 2025.

Iran defense chief visits Turkey to boost military ties: What to know

The Iranian defense chief met with his Turkish counterpart as Tehran seeks to enhance its defense ties with Ankara.

Latest News

Turkey scrambles to contain fallout after Fidan says KAAN jet dependent on US

kaan

Egypt, Somalia discuss military ties as Cairo set to deploy troops for AU mission

Egypt army

Israel tightens grip on Gaza City ahead of Trump-Netanyahu talks

Palestinians walk with bags of humanitarian aid they received at a distribution centre run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), at the so-called "Netzarim corridor", in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2025.

Analysis

How Afghanistan's Bagram base became focal point of US-China-Iran rivalry

Taliban military vehicles parade to celebrate the third anniversary of Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, at the Bagram Air Base, in Bagram, Parwan province on Aug. 14, 2024.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Israeli army soldiers stand atop the turret of a Merkava main battle tank positioned near armoured military bulldozers along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Sept. 2, 2025.

Israel calls up 60,000 reservists for Gaza City op, but how many will show up?

The mobilization of 60,000 reservists for Gaza City could be undermined if significant numbers decline to serve.

ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

Israel cautious on Lebanon withdrawal despite Netanyahu overtures, US push

The Trump administration is pressuring Netanyahu to make concessions to the Lebanese government in exchange for its efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

Delegates attend the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on June 26, 2025.

At SCO summit in China, Iran seeks support ahead of UN sanctions

China's SCO will bring together major world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, as Tehran seeks support amid mounting Western pressure.

A K9A2 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) from Hanwha is seen on day one of the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) fair at ExCel on Sept. 12, 2023 in London, England.

UK bans Israeli officials from major defense fair: What to know

After suspending trade talks and sanctioning Israeli far-right ministers, the British government barred an official Israeli delegation from a major London defense fair.

Two men look at houses destroyed in Israeli attacks, July 12, 2025, Tehran.

Analysis

Push for better US deal or go for round 2? Israeli leadership split on Iran

The E3 move with the United States and Israel's coordination to trigger renewed sanctions on Iran is a milestone for Israeli policy.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, president of the Federal Republic of Somalia (R), received His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, minister of state, at the start of a working visit to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on Aug. 28, 2025.

Somalia, UAE hold talks as tensions simmer over Puntland, Somaliland

The visit occurred on the same day that Somalia's president met with Sudan’s intelligence chief.

United Arab Emirates

aselsan

Turkey delivers $460 million first batch of Steel Dome air defense system

More than 40 units, including long- and short-range missile systems, radars and sensors, are ready for use as Ankara pushes for an integrated air defense, the Turkish president said.

The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces graduated the third class of THAAD anti-ballistic missile operators after its members completed the stages of specialized individual training at Fort Bliss military base in the United States.

US Army trains new Saudi anti-missile THAAD crew as Gulf air defense lags

Despite damage from Israel’s June air campaign, Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal continues to threaten Arab states and has in the past limited US military access to regional bases, testing the Pentagon’s ability to manage its global resources.

Palestinian flags fly across from the Reichstag at a pro-Palestine activists camp on July 29, 2025, in Berlin, Germany.

Germany inks $408M arms deal with Israel despite pledge to curb exports over Gaza

Though the new deal involves imports rather than exports, it has raised questions about the broader consistency of Germany’s defense policy, as Berlin has sought to distance itself from Israel’s actions during the Gaza war.

Saudi Defense Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives for a press conference in Riyadh, on April 25, 2016.

Analysis

How Saudi defense shake-up exposes frustration with localization goals

As Riyadh struggles to reach its 50% Vision 2030 target, leadership reshuffles signal pressure for faster progress.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

HRH the Crown Prince welcomes President of Egypt upon arrival in Neom, Saudi Arabia, on Aug. 21, 2025.

Egypt's Sisi, Saudi crown prince discuss Red Sea, Gaza, trade in Neom

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi headed to Saudi Arabia as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on regional and international issues.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) arrives for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of State and Government summit in The Hague, on June 25, 2025.

NATO summit to be held in Turkey next year, alliance says

Brussels' announcement comes as the Trump administration and Erdogan's government have continued to stake out common ground on stabilizing Syria and the southern Caucasus region.