Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
US quietly aids Saudi Arabia’s Yemen campaign with intel, refueling Pentagon aims to keep Yemen and Iran wars separate while shielding the flow of Gulf oil exports from attack as Riyadh bears the brunt of the Houthis' missile and drone barrages. Yemen
Mossad, Shin Bet in UAE: What we know about Israel’s FlyDubai probe The National Security Council is probing foreign carrier security protocols, while police investigate two senior Transportation Ministry officials suspected of providing private services for aviation companies. Israel
Iran joins SCO drill as China resists direct intervention in US-Iran war An IRGC official said the exercise will focus on countering extremist activities and containing violent groups. Iran
US pulls B-1 bombers from UK air base amid security fears: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
With draft letters done, Turkey and US inch closer to concluding $23B F-16 deal Turkey has concluded its part on draft letter of offer for the $23 billion sale, a Turkish official said. Turkey
Pentagon chief: No decision on unfreezing bombs shipment to Israel Senior Israeli officials have reportedly expressed "deep frustration" with the Biden administration over the decision, warning that the pause could jeopardize hostage talks underway in Cairo. Israel
Turkey and Kuwait sign six deals as Erdogan hosts country's Emir The Kuwaiti emir traveled to Turkey for his first foreign visit to a non-Arab country since he took the oath of office in December. Turkey
Somalia strikes by Turkish drones killed 23 civilians, including children: Amnesty The international watchdog called on the governments of Somalia and Turkey to investigate the incidents for potential “war crimes.” Turkey
Can warmer Germany-Turkey ties bring Ankara Eurofighters along with Airbuses? Experts believe Turkish-German defense ties will see some strides following the German president’s much-hyped Turkey visit. Turkey
Blinken meets Netanyahu, pressures Hamas to agree to cease-fire deal US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the rounds of senior Israeli officials on Wednesday after stops in Amman and Riyadh. Israel
Saudi Arabia 'very, very close' to US security pact tied to Palestinian state In separate comments on Monday, the Saudi and US top diplomats said bilateral agreements on security and defense cooperation — which Riyadh is seeking if it agrees to normalize ties with Israel — were imminent. Saudi Arabia
In Israel, US envoy Hochstein talks Lebanon border tensions with Gallant US special envoy Amos Hochstein met with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and is set to speak with President Isaac Herzog as the Israel-Lebanon border remains tense. Israel
Has Turkey’s Erdogan axed his Biden meeting because of Israel? Despite rumors of a cancellation in Turkish media, several high-level US diplomats have traveled over the past few days to Ankara to lay the ground for the summit. Turkey
Interview Israel's ex-intel chief: Biden distrusts Netanyahu, Iran escalation unlikely Former head of IDF intelligence Amos Yadlin believes Israel should take the time to estimate whether the additional sanctions announced by the US and the EU would indeed affect Iran’s decision-making on its regional aggression and nuclear program. Amos Yadlin Former Head of Israeli Military Intelligence
New attacks near US bases in Iraq, Syria threaten uneasy detente The Pentagon seemed to downplay the first new attacks on US troops in Syria and Iraq since February, as Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah militia distanced itself from responsibility. Iraq
Analysis Inside Netzah Yehuda Battalion, Israel’s army unit bracing for US sanctions In an unprecedented move, the Biden administration is set to sanction the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, which is accused of violating the human rights of West Bank Palestinians. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
