China holds second air drill with Egypt: What to know China is seeking to strengthen ties with Egypt and Gulf states, including via joint air drills. Egypt
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Saudi crown prince heads to France as ties deepen: What to expect Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will start a visit to Paris this weekend, his fourth to France since his appointment in 2017. Saudi Arabia
Interview Barzani calls for enhanced air defense for Kurdistan Region to counter drone attacks Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani backs US-led regional economic integration efforts and lauds US partnership in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Masrour Barzani KRG Prime Minister
Exclusive Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq amid talks with Tehran By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US general meets Lebanon’s army chief as ceasefire with Israel teeters By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Sudan welcomes US, Russian navy ships amid strategic competition The rival powers are eyeing the fledgling democracy for a leg up on influence in East Africa Russia
Turkey, US maintain dialogue of the deaf Ankara and Washington, both unwilling to budge over differences, can expect ties to get worse before they get better. Turkey
US generals head to Tunisia ahead of major military exercise The Pentagon aims to bolster partnerships in North Africa with the African Lion exercise this summer. Tunisia
Turkey hires Washington lobbyists in bid for return to F-35 program The Biden administration is giving Turkey the cold shoulder on the S-400 dispute. Turkey
UAE dismantling base in Eritrea following drawdown in Yemen Images from The Associated Press show vehicles and structures being removed from the Emirates' military base. United Arab Emirates
Israel, US reveal cooperation on Arrow 4 ballistic missile interceptor The Arrow 4 is set to replace the high-altitude Arrow 2 in the coming decades. Israel
NATO to expand its training mission in Iraq to 4,000 troops The Pentagon welcomed NATO's increased contribution to training Iraq's security forces. Iraq
Intel: US announces missile sale to Egypt after American activist’s relatives detained The Biden administration appears to be sending mixed signals to Cairo as it vows a firm stance on human rights abuses in the Middle East Egypt
Israel’s military skirts budget restrictions for $9 billion air force upgrade The IDF will use a chunk of US aid and foreign borrowing to help fund its planned expansion of the air force's strike range Israel
Turkish official hints at possible S-400 missile compromise with US Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Tuesday that Ankara might be willing to "find a solution" for its Russian-made S-400 missile acquisition if Washington reevaluates its cooperation with Kurdish forces in Syria. Turkey
Iran, Russia, China to conduct joint naval exercise in Indian Ocean Russia continues to seek opportunities to expand its influence in the Middle East, the head of CENTCOM said Monday. Russia
Biden administration pauses arms sales to Gulf pending review The freeze includes the F-35 deal for the United Arab Emirates and bombs for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
