US targets Iran's military tech with sanctions after allies trigger snapback New sanctions aim to increase pressure on Iran to restrict the IRGC’s relentless development of ballistic missiles and military aircraft, but risk pushing Tehran further into the orbits of Russia and China. United States
Trump signs order to ‘guarantee’ Qatar’s security after Israel strikes New executive order appeared to go beyond existing US agreements with other Gulf states, enjoining Washington to take “all lawful and appropriate measures” — to include military action — to defend Qatar from external attack. Qatar
US troops in Iraq shift to Erbil to focus on ISIS in Syria The US mission against the Islamic State is relocating its headquarters and most of its troops from Baghdad to Erbil as the prime minister's coalition faces reelection in November. Iraq
Analysis Trump offers Netanyahu cover as Israel's far right recoils at Gaza peace plan The latest peace plan for Gaza offers something previous ones lacked: a way for the Israeli prime minister to save face. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis How Afghanistan's Bagram base became focal point of US-China-Iran rivalry By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Netanyahu sidesteps Trump's Gaza plan at UN as US presses Israel to end war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pentagon had no warning Israel planned to strike Qatar, US general says The top US Air Force commander for the Middle East said early warning systems did not determine that Israeli warplanes had launched ballistic missiles towards Qatar, a US ally, until it was too late, following fresh concerns about the Pentagon's ambitions to build an air defense umbrella for the region. United States
US working to broker talks between Sudan factions, Trump envoy says Massad Boulos also said an agreement was nearly finalized with the Rapid Support Forces to bring humanitarian aid to El Fasher. Sudan
Trump pitches 21-point plan for Middle East peace Special envoy Steve Witkoff said he's hopeful, even confident, that there will be a breakthrough in the coming days. United States
CENTCOM launches task force to drive Pentagon’s drone race New unit aims to put "combat-credible" drone systems into the hands of US troops in the Middle East within 60 days, part of an ambitious new push by the Pentagon to leapfrog advances made by Washington's adversaries in fielding cheaply made but lethal armed drones. United States
Newsletter: Business & Tech Turkey eyes trade wins in White House talks Turkey is rolling back tariffs and lining up new deals as Erdogan prepares to press Trump for concessions at the White House. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Turkey’s Erdogan eyes F-35s, Kurdish concessions in White House visit Syria and Israel near de-escalation pact; Trump slams allies’ Palestine recognition as 'reward' to Hamas; and more. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Analysis As states recognize Palestine, Netanyahu seeks Trump nod on annexation As he seeks to retaliate against France and other countries for recognizing Palestine, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unlikely to announce annexation measures without first securing President Donald Trump's approval. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey touts gas, trade deals ahead of Erdogan-Trump summit The flurry of agreements comes as the Turkish leader looks to press the US president on fighter jets and Kurdish policy in Thursday's meeting. Turkey
Trump presents Gaza plan to Arab, Muslim leaders at UNGA As international pressure builds during UNGA week, Trump pitched Arab and Muslim leaders on a plan for ending the war in Gaza and the handling of its governance. United States
Turkey’s Erdogan eyes F-35s, Kurdish concessions in White House talks with Trump Erdogan is pressing Washington for a return to the F-35 program and a rollback of US support for Kurdish forces, even as Congress signals resistance. Turkey
In UN speech, Trump slams allies’ Palestine recognition as 'reward' to Hamas President Donald Trump spoke on the heels of France, the United Kingdom and other countries endorsing Palestinian statehood. United States
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump to discuss Gaza with Arab, Muslim leaders Egypt's Sisi pardons prominent Arab Spring activist, Iran's last minute UN diplomatic blitz, and more. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East