After major arms sales, Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar: What to know The president is urging Gulf countries to increase their investment in the US after a series of bilateral economic and defense deals in recent months. Saudi Arabia
Iran's IRGC unveils underground facility housing thousands of ballistic missiles As it navigates crises at home and abroad, Iran has released video footage of an underground “missile city” in an attempt to flex its military might. Iran
US green lights $95 million in aid for Lebanon’s army The Trump administration made an exception to its foreign assistance freeze for a $95 million aid package headed to Lebanon's armed forces. Lebanon
Iran’s IRGC says advanced warship joins naval fleet amid US tensions The addition appears to be Iran's latest strategic yet cautious positioning in the face of strain with the United States and Israel. Iran
Analysis Sudan, Russia reach 'understanding' on naval base but hurdles remain By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
4 Arab Israelis arrested for Hezbollah ties, smuggling Iranian explosives The Shin Bet announced today that four Arab Israelis suspected of involvement with Hezbollah's smuggling activities were arrested last month. Israel
Iran unveils new armed drone, defying pressure over shipments to Russia With a range of over 1,200 miles, Mohajer 10 is the latest from a family of drones that Russia is believed to have imported from Iran to use in its war on Ukraine. Iran
Iran claims to have produced key engine for supersonic missile tech The announcement was the latest in a chain of advancements Iran has claimed in its missile technology in defiance of Western criticism and amid regional tensions. Iran
US greenlights Israel's $3.5B sale of Arrow 3 air defense system to Germany Germany has been trying to acquire the system for around a year now, with tension rising between Russia and NATO over the Ukraine war. Israel
Analysis Why is Japan opposed to Saudi Arabia joining UK-Italy GCAP fighter jet alliance? Japan is concerned about future problems with Saudi Arabia as one of four decision-makers on the Global Combat Air Program's board with veto power, according to experts. By Salim A. Essaid
In radical shift, Israel's El Al airline in talks to buy Airbus planes El Al is in "serious" talks with Airbus to purchase new planes but continues to negotiate with Boeing as well. Israel
House Democrats urge cuts to Egypt's military aid over rights abuses The Biden administration will soon decide whether to restrict part of the United States’ annual military assistance to Egypt for the third year in a row. Egypt
Saudi Arabia agrees to produce Turkey’s Baykar drones Riyadh wants to boost its military might, especially with the prospect of its main rival Iran developing its nuclear enrichment capabilities. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Can Iran's Shahed drones in Ukraine help ease tension with Russia? Tensions that emerged after Iran summoned the Russian ambassador over Moscow's comments on disputed islands with the UAE has once again highlighted the limits of trust in bilateral relations between the two. By Anton Mardasov
France, UK jostle for defense influence with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar France is aiming to bolster its presence as a leading security guarantor and partner in the Gulf, at a time the UK is also seeking to strengthen its ties with GCC countries. Gulf
Iran, Belarus sign defense MOU as they explore cooperation on drones Belarus may start playing a bigger role in Russia’s use of Iranian drones in the war on Ukraine. Iran
Iran drones venture into South America market with Bolivia as new customer Iran was seen attempting to expand its sway in Latin America after Bolivia expressed interest in purchasing Iranian drones and reports said the Venezuelan navy had started using Iran-made attack boats that could be mounted with ballistic missiles. Iran
