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
China, UAE overtake US companies at Turkey’s IDEF 23 weapons fair During the 15th edition of the IDEF in 2021, the global fair saw more than a thousand companies from 53 countries attend and had more than 94 signing ceremonies take place. Turkey
China’s newly appointed FM Wang Yi heads to Turkey, will meet Erdogan The meeting with Erdogan and Turkish FM Fidan will mark the first high-level visit from a Chinese official since 2021. Turkey
Iran unveils new ballistic missile after US deployment to Gulf Iranian officials said they had already mass-produced the "radar-evading" missile, which relies on artificial intelligence and is capable of "completely destroying" any frigate. Iran
Following Saudi drone deal, Turkey's Erdogan targets $6B in defense sales Speaking at the opening of Turkey’s largest defense fair, the Turkish president has pledged to raise military exports by 36% while his defense industry chief reveals that last week’s drone deal with Riyadh alone was worth $3.1 billion. Turkey
Iran declares 'efficient deterrence' against any military strike Iran has in recent years shown off its military advancements, particularly its drones and ballistic missiles, shrugging off Western worries that it is escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East. Iran
Saudi Arabia signs major deal with Turkey to acquire Baykar drones Riyadh has long been interested in Baykar drones and the possibility of producing the weapons in Saudi Arabia. Turkey
Inside Turkey's three dimensions for changing tune on Sweden's NATO bid Turkey’s surprise decision on the Swedish NATO bid seems to be underpinned by considerations on defense and economic areas. Turkey
US to advance Turkey's F-16 sales as Sweden's NATO bid moves forward US Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he is in talks with the administration on F-16 sales as the Turkish and US presidents met today. Turkey
Russian fighter jets harass US drones over Syria twice in 24 hours A Russian Su-35 forced two French Rafales to take evasive maneuvers over the Iraq-Syria border on Thursday as the Pentagon warned of increasing harassment. Syria
New Congressional task force to take on US foreign arms sales process A bipartisan task force launched by House Foreign Affairs panel chair Rep. Michael McCaul follows internal reviews at the Pentagon and the State Department on steps to speed up the foreign arms sale process. Washington Connection
Lebanon’s Hezbollah says it downed Israeli drone on border The Israeli army acknowledged the downing, saying the drone crashed in Lebanese territory during routine activity. Lebanon
Congress doubles down on Middle East defense architecture in NDAA markups To counter China's influence and Iran activities, lawmakers want to expand cybersecurity, maritime and air and missile defense support to Middle East allies and enable Israeli Air Force pilots as Arab leaders begin to engage with Iran. Gulf
