Jordan’s King Abdullah calls church shooting ‘terror attack,’ at least 7 killed: What to know Jordan has experienced sporadic violence targeting the Christian community, though attacks of this kind are relatively rare in the kingdom. Jordan
How Israel’s election could shape next phase of Iran war Most of the Israeli prime minister's main rivals in the Oct. 27 election agree that Israel's war to overthrow the Iranian regime should continue, but only he claims to have President Donald Trump's blessing to do so. Israel
France’s Macron first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Houthi escalation French President Emmanuel Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says The US envoy said that direct US military intervention on the ground against the Houthis would be "fruitless." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hormuz attacks spike after US airstrike on Iran-linked tanker By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey’s defense exports reach record levels in 2022, Erdogan says Turkey’s president is touting the country's defense exports, which have reached a record high. Turkey
Analysis US top Middle East commander tests new model of deterring Iran As the Pentagon shifts focus to China and Russia, CENTCOM’s chief is banking on experimentation with unmanned surveillance and artificial intelligence to offset a smaller US footprint in the Middle East. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US working with Saudi Arabia on strategic military plans, general says The Biden administration is leveraging the Pentagon to quietly rebuild trust with Riyadh in the wake of a very public dispute. Legacy: Gulf
Israeli leaders take credit for blocking Iran nuclear deal Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took credit for the current deadlock in talks between Iran and world powers. Israel
As Lebanon unravels, Beirut neighborhood takes security into its own hands Amid Beirut’s unlit streets, men wield torches and batons to ensure security and safety in the neighborhood in an initiative that began in Achrafieh, one of Beirut’s oldest and most charming districts. Lebanon
Egypt’s Sisi gets warm welcome at Pentagon as Cairo assumes naval role Egypt took charge of Combined Task Force 153 on Monday as the Pentagon seeks to economize its footprint in the Middle East. Egypt
Israeli intelligence sees genuine, lasting changes in Iran According to Israeli security sources, the blunt breach of human rights in Iran blocks world powers from advancing on a nuke deal. Israel
As US watches, China and Saudi Arabia shy away from defense deals during Xi's visit Pentagon officials are closely watching what deals result from the Chinese president's meetings with Arab leaders. Legacy: Gulf
Iran sent more drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, US suggests Tehran sent additional UAVs, but no ballistic missiles thus far, the White House said. Iran
Netanyahu’s far-right partners jeopardize Israeli ties with Jordan, Egypt Statements by future National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and by his party colleague Avi Maoz are putting ties between Israel, Jordan and Egypt at risk. Israel
US concerned over Netanyahu de facto annexing West Bank For Washington, the concessions Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu is now offering his far-right partners could quickly reignite tensions in the West Bank. Israel
The Security Briefing: Pentagon tries to reason with Turkey In this weekly newsletter, Pentagon Correspondent Jared Szuba rounds up the biggest security stories from the region. Turkey