Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran attacks cargo ship off Oman, testing Trump’s Hormuz Strait deal The first Iranian attack on a cargo vessel since the ceasefire comes as top US diplomat Marco Rubio huddled with Gulf Cooperation Council ministers in Manama to reject Iran's claims to control the Strait of Hormuz. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Trump hints at F-35 breakthrough with Turkey ahead of NATO summit The administration is moving ahead with planned jet engine sales to Ankara ahead of next month’s NATO summit despite congressionally mandated sanctions on Turkey's defense industry. Turkey
CENTCOM commander heads to Israel, Gulf as Lebanon talks stall Israel's top defense official said his country would not withdraw from Lebanon despite diplomatic pressure from Washington as it seeks rapprochement with Iran. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Why Gulf defense firms are betting on Europe in wake of Iran war By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis How Netanyahu used Lebanon strikes to push back on Trump’s Iran deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Senate bill adds restrictions on US effort to train Lebanon army: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to visit Middle East as Iran threat builds Lloyd Austin's visit to the region as Biden's defense secretary is intended as a signal of reassurance as Iran continues to arm and fund proxy militias throughout the region. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Israel's FM urges Germany to add Iran's IRGC to terror list, but hurdles remain Though German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said recently that Berlin had no grounds to add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the country’s list of terror groups, Israeli sources insist she is committed to pursuing this option. Israel
Iran is seeking billions in arms deals from Russia, White House says Moscow may send Iran fighter aircraft as Pentagon officials warn the tactical relationship could evolve into strategic cooperation. Russia / Mideast
UAE's IDEX weapons fair brings in Russia, China, and billion-dollar deals The United Arab Emirates’ defense expenditure amounted to $22.5 billion last year and is expected to reach $28.6 billion by 2027. Legacy: Gulf
Israel steps up military planning against Iran’s nuclear program Recent reports on Iran accelerating its uranium enrichment are pushing Israeli leaders to inspect concrete plans. Israel
US bolsters human rights criteria for arms sales The arms transfer policy takes into account how US weapons sales could be used to commit rights abuses. Washington Pulse
Analysis Ukraine war at year 1: Israel, Ukraine find common ground on Iran Sharing concerns over Moscow-Tehran military cooperation, Jerusalem and Kyiv’s interests are now converging. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Europe to sanction Iran drone companies for arming Russia in Ukraine President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called on member states to adopt a 10th sanctions package against Russia that also includes a ban on Iranian companies. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
How Israel’s HevenDrones latest hydrogen-powered drone can help UAE The lightweight aerial vehicle for defense or commercial use is the latest fruit of diplomatic normalization between the two countries, and will be featured at IDEX next week. Legacy: Gulf
US defense intelligence confirms Iran’s drone use in Ukraine The Pentagon report comes a day after the UK government turned over weapons and other evidence to the United Nations that Iran had attempted to ship to Yemen's Houthi rebels in violation of international law. Iran
US general reveals Chinese balloons have flown over the Middle East A senior CENTCOM official said the high-altitude balloons have posed no threat to troops, and he expressed interest in obtaining similar ones to fill gaps in the United States' intelligence collection. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Pentagon, State Department officials in Saudi Arabia to talk Iran strategy Like its predecessors, the Biden administration wants Gulf Cooperation Council states to share air defense intel to defuse potential attacks by Iran, but will they work together? Legacy: Gulf
