Analysis Israel’s Lebanon endgame remains elusive despite ceasefire deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was compelled by President Donald Trump to accept a new ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but without a clear long-term strategy, he may be inclined to resume hostilities at the first opportunity. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran unveils new missile-armed fast attack boat: What to know The boats are the latest addition to Iran’s "mosquito fleet," a fleet of high-speed attack craft operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran
US sanctions network smuggling Iranian LPG as talks falter The sanctions come as President Donald Trump has offered mixed signals on prospects for a deal. United States
Analysis Why Israel sees Lebanon’s 'pilot zones' as path to containing Hezbollah Israel views the proposed pilot security zones in southern Lebanon as a pragmatic way to gradually expand Lebanese state control, push Hezbollah away from the border and preserve a fragile ceasefire while the Trump administration pursues broader negotiations with Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran’s Araghchi says US bases in region legitimate targets By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no progress in US talks as Khamenei warns of foreign plots By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Israel hoping for last-minute F-35s from Trump administration Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said additional F-15 purchases may follow the procurement of a third F-35 squadron. Israel
In reversal, Pentagon orders aircraft carrier to remain in Middle East to deter Iran The acting US defense secretary cited Iranian leaders' threats against President Donald Trump and other US officials in the order for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East. United States
US again sends B-52 bombers to deter Iran as tensions peak The deployment is the third flight of nuclear-capable Stratofortresses to the region in less than two months Israel
State Department denies forming group with Turkey on CAATSA sanctions After Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu claimed that Ankara and the Washington were setting up a working group on US sanctions on Turkey, a State Department spokesperson denied the existence of any such body. Turkey
Rouhani: Iran reserves right to avenge Soleimani death President Hassan Rouhani said Iran will avenge the US assassination of its top commander Qasem Soleimani and will continue to seek the ouster of American forces from the region. United States
Trump administration pushes last-minute arms deals to Middle East The move to go forward with a proposed $290 million sale of precision-guided bombs for Saudi Arabia comes just weeks before the Biden administration arrives. Saudi Arabia
Syria’s Kurdish-led administration calls on Biden for political recognition SDF commander Mazlum Kobane told Al-Monitor last month he hopes the Biden administration will double the US troop presence in northeast Syria. Syria
Pro-Israel group criticizes Georgia Senate candidate for past sermon Christians United for Israel slammed Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock over a 2018 sermon he gave on the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem, but others have defended the candidate for a US Senate seat. Palestine
US ambassador's residence in Tel Aviv sold for $67 million The State Department has not acknowledged the buyer, reported to be Trump ally and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Israel
Biden’s national security adviser criticizes Saudi Arabia for jailing women’s rights activist Jake Sullivan called the sentencing of activist Loujain al-Hathloul "troubling." Saudi Arabia
Israeli, American submarine activity suggests show of force against Iran Israel reportedly dispatched a submarine to the Suez Canal and the Red Sea in what has been taken as a clear warning to Iran not to escalate tensions at this sensitive time of transition. Egypt
Nasrallah says Hezbollah would not be part of Iran nuclear talks The Shiite party's leader also said Hezbollah has doubled its missile supplies. Saudi Arabia