Analysis Under US pressure, Israel softens Syria tone but is wary of Sharaa The Trump administration has been pressuring Israel to reach a security deal with Syria, but talks are at a stalemate as both sides hold firm. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
US strategy document names Iran 'chief' destabilizer, calls Syria 'potential problem' The document frames US engagement as shifting away from energy and conflict and toward broader economic and defense partnerships. United States
China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Iran uses first joint SCO field drill to tout drone power, assert post-war resilience By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis A Trump bargain: Pardon Netanyahu in exchange for Israel-Syria security deal? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Syria seizes Captagon with Turkish backing amid drug trade boom The new Islamist government in Syria has prioritized dismantling the Captagon trade, but the industry is still thriving. Syria
UAE says Israel’s West Bank annexation push a ‘red line': What to know There are growing indications that the Israeli government is seeking to annex the Palestinian territory, but the UAE is becoming increasingly critical of the plan. Israel
Pentagon kicks off Bright Star war games in Egypt with 1,500 US troops US Central Command is seeking to firm up Washington’s sway with Egypt's leaders amid signs of instability, as China expands its own leverage over the strategic state that controls the Suez Canal. Egypt
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. Israel
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. Israel
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. China
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. Israel
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. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
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. Turkey
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. United States
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. Israel
