Hormuz tanker attacks mount, putting oil flows at risk Roughly a dozen reported attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz suggests Iran is once again dialing up the pressure as US economic sanctions plunge the rial to new lows. Iran
Yemen military announces retaking of Mokha from Houthis amid Red Sea offensive Saudi Arabia is providing significant air support to the Yemeni government offensive and held a meeting with senior Turkish and Pakistani officials amid the escalation. Yemen
US pulls B-1 bombers from UK air base amid security fears: What to know The withdrawal of a dozen strategic B-1B bombers back to the US came amid heightened concerns about a potential Iranian-linked plot to attack the facility. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer What Iraq’s US troop withdrawal means for security after Kirkuk killings As Iraq assumes full responsibility for its security following the coalition’s withdrawal, a disputed counterterrorism operation in Kirkuk is raising questions about accountability, public trust and lingering security gaps. Iraq
Analysis How Netanyahu is capitalizing on MBZ meeting, FlyDubai attack to gain in election polls By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Analysis How FlyDubai attack exposes gaps in Israel-UAE security ties By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Exclusive Inside Netanyahu’s relentless push for meeting with UAE’s MBZ By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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. Turkey
Turkey scrambles to contain fallout after Fidan says KAAN jet dependent on US Critics say the admission underscores vulnerabilities in Turkey’s armed forces and highlights the challenges of achieving independence from Western suppliers. Turkey
Egypt, Somalia discuss military ties as Cairo set to deploy troops for AU mission The Egyptian and Somali defense ministers met in Cairo to discuss strengthening military cooperation, marking the latest sign of deepening military ties between the two African nations amid the volatile situation in the Horn of Africa. Egypt
Israel tightens grip on Gaza City ahead of Trump-Netanyahu talks As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet President Donald Trump at the White House, Israeli forces are advancing slowly on the outskirts of Gaza City in an ongoing operation to seize the area. Israel
Analysis How Afghanistan's Bagram base became focal point of US-China-Iran rivalry Trump’s push to regain control of Bagram underscores Washington’s broader strategy to monitor China, counter Iran and project power across Central Asia. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
From F-35s to Ukraine: Erdogan-Trump talks signal reset, but sanctions obstacles remain The summit underscored both leaders’ personal chemistry while highlighting the limits of what the partnership can deliver. Turkey
Pentagon pushes to accelerate ISIS detainee repatriations from Syria Uncertainty about Syria’s long-term stability and the the US military’s future presence in the country have increased urgency among some Pentagon officials to further reduce the population of nearly 30,000 suspected ISIS-associated detainees in the camps. Syria
Meet David Zini, Israel's controversial next Shin Bet chief The Grunis Committee cleared his nomination despite controversies over Zini's past statements, national-religious background, and closeness to the prime minister. Israel
Pentagon had no warning Israel planned to strike Qatar, US general says The top US Air Force commander for the Middle East said early warning systems did not determine that Israeli warplanes had launched ballistic missiles towards Qatar, a US ally, until it was too late, following fresh concerns about the Pentagon's ambitions to build an air defense umbrella for the region. United States
Syria navy delegation visits Turkey: What to know Turkey is seeking to help Syria build its new military, and the neighbors are also cooperating on counter-narcotics and intelligence matters. Turkey
CENTCOM launches task force to drive Pentagon’s drone race New unit aims to put "combat-credible" drone systems into the hands of US troops in the Middle East within 60 days, part of an ambitious new push by the Pentagon to leapfrog advances made by Washington's adversaries in fielding cheaply made but lethal armed drones. United States
Spain imposes 'total' arms embargo on Israel over Gaza war: What to know The embargo leaves room for exceptions where Spain’s “national interests” are concerned. Israel
