Defense/Security cooperation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov chairs the annual meeting of the Caspian Sea littoral states foreign ministers, known as the Caspian Five, in Moscow, on Dec. 5, 2023.

Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills

The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations.

OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Israel adapts, Turkey rises, Iran ruined: How 2 years of Gaza war reshaped Middle East

Turkey’s involvement worries Israel in Syria but also raises hopes for pressuring Hamas to agree to President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal.

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

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

Latest News

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

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.

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

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

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

The Pentagon again postponed a key test of its troubled "THAAD'''' anti-missile defense rocket, seen this file photo, due to a commercial power failure, the Defense Department said. (photo by Lockheed Martin)

Exclusive

Inside US-Israel understanding to reward Netanyahu for not targeting Iran’s oil fields

The Israeli government might agree to refrain targeting Iranian oil sites in exchange for a security package offered by the Biden administration.

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

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Israel arrests 7 nationals suspected of spying for Iran: What we know

Israeli authorities are saying the affair is one of the most serious espionage cases in recent Israeli history.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stands in front of a Eurofighter Tycoon combat aircraft as he speaks during a visit to the Bavarian plant of European aircraft maker Airbus in Manching, southern Germany, January 19, 2024.

Analysis

Can Turkey-Germany summit produce breakthrough on Eurofighter sale?

Eurofighters for Turkey are expected to top Olaf Scholz's meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. A senior Turkish defense industry official told Al-Monitor that local production of some of the parts might be an option.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets with his Egyptian counterpart (not pictured) in Cairo, on Oct. 17, 2024.

Iran FM Araghchi meets Egypt’s Sisi amid diplomatic push: What we know

The Iranian foreign minister held talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, during which both agreed on the need to promote relations between the two countries.

Egypt's new intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Hassan Mahmoud Rashad (L), is sworn in in front of Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R), in Cairo on Oct. 16, 2024.

Egypt's Sisi appoints new chief of powerful intelligence agency

Egypt's president on Wednesday appointed a new director of its General Intelligence Service, a powerful agency that has played a key role in Gaza cease-fire talks.

View taken on Oct. 27, 2008, of the Israel Aerospace Industries booth at the world's leading trade show for naval and maritime safety, in Le Bourget, north of Paris.

France again bans Israeli firms from defense fair, deepening diplomatic rift

In another sign of deteriorating bilateral relations between Israel and France, Israeli companies will be prevented from featuring their products at the international maritime exposition Euronaval in Paris in November.

Turkish air force fighter jets perform a military parade over the Bosphorus as Camlica mosque is seen in the background to mark the 100th anniversary of Turkish Republic in Istanbul on Oct. 29,2023.

Erdogan’s AKP postpones bill to impose credit card fees to support Turkey’s defense

Plans to collect credit card fees in a bid to boost the defense industry are put on hold after a public backlash.

Photo by United States Forces Korea via Getty Images

US THAAD missile defense system begins arriving in Israel

The arrival of a THAAD system and US troops comes after Israel's Arrow antiballistic missile batteries underperformed during Iran's Oct. 1 barrage of more than 180 ballistic missiles.

Palestinian youths inspect a fallen projectile after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel.

Analysis

Israel lowers expectations on Iran strikes with eye on US election

Israeli leaders insist that a retaliatory strike against Iran is on its way, but reports say the attack could be a limited one and will focus on military targets.

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

Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs of the Netherlands assumes command of the NATO Mission to Iraq (NMI) in Baghdad, May 24, 2024.

Interview

NATO deepens engagement with Iraq as US prepares to withdraw

In an exclusive Al-Monitor interview, Lucas Schreurs, commander of NATO Mission Iraq, explains the scope of his outfit's mandate.

Commander of NATO Mission Iraq

Commander of NATO Mission Iraq

Lucas Schreurs

Visitors walk among displays at the UMEX Exhibition showcasing drones, robotics, and unmanned sytems at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi on January 23, 2024. (Photo by Ryan LIM / AFP) (Photo by RYAN LIM/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

What UAE's Edge expansion into space means for country's military industry

Abu Dhabi has recently seen a significant boost in its domestic defense and aerospace capabilities, thanks to its nation-based conglomerate, EDGE. This month, the group launched its new space company, FADA, marking a milestone in enhancing the Emirati’s status in the strategic space sector.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

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

AFP via Getty Images

Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea solidify regional alliance amid tensions with Ethiopia

The three countries have pledged to deepen cooperation and defend Somalia's sovereignty after their leaders met in Eritrea's capital.