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October 6, 2025

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Turkish air force fighter jets fly over a parade during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 2024, in occupied northern Nicosia, Cyprus.

Analysis

Jet lag: Turkey weighs alternatives as US sanctions stall Kaan engine imports

Turkish defense experts say delays in engine approvals could slow the country’s fifth-generation fighter, yet Turkey has alternatives to maintain its offensive and defensive capabilities.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Lebanese army soldiers and security forces deploy near a vehicle that was hit by a reported drone-strike at the entrance of the village of Barja, about 30 kilometres south of Beirut, on Sept. 9, 2025.

US approves $230M for Lebanon’s push to disarm Hezbollah

New US funds for Beirut signal rare bipartisan approval for progress by Lebanon's security forces as they dismantle Hezbollah weapons caches, but significant risks remain as the militant faction resists full disarmament.

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Netanyahu hamstrung by far right, Trump as Hamas drags feet on Gaza plan

The Hamas commanders in Gaza remain the main obstacle to advancement of the Trump plan and are expected to seek amendments even as Israel’s military steps up its offensive on Gaza City.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

A woman walks past a deactivated Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile in front of a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran's Bahrestan Square on Sept. 27, 2025, as part of an exhibit to mark the "Sacred Defense Week" commemorating the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

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.

Latest News

Trump signs order to ‘guarantee’ Qatar’s security after Israel strikes

US President Donald J. Trump speaks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as he departs the Al Udeid Air Base for Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.

US troops in Iraq shift to Erbil to focus on ISIS in Syria

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - MAY 30: A U.S. Army soldier looks onto Baghdad from a guardhouse on the perimeter of the International Zone on May 30, 2021 in Baghdad, Iraq. Coalition forces based in Baghdad's International Zone are part of the U.S.-led Military Advisor Group of 13 nations supporting the Iraqi Security Forces. The United States currently maintains 2,500 military personnel in Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Alpha Company 769th brigade Engineer Battalion, Louisiana National Guard is providing for

Analysis

Trump offers Netanyahu cover as Israel's far right recoils at Gaza peace plan

Win McNamee/Getty Images

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

How Afghanistan's Bagram base became focal point of US-China-Iran rivalry

Taliban military vehicles parade to celebrate the third anniversary of Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, at the Bagram Air Base, in Bagram, Parwan province on Aug. 14, 2024.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

State Department Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Jared Szuba

Pentagon Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Joyce Karam

Senior News Editor

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East

Andrew Parasiliti

President and Chief Content Officer

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Megan Mineiro

In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress

Attendees hold up signs with the names of people who died in the Gaza war on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024.

At DNC, Harris contends with Democratic divide on Gaza

DNC delegates from the Uncommitted National Movement warn that if Harris doesn’t get tough on Israel, she risks alienating voters in battleground states like Michigan come November.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to members of the press at David Kempinski Hotel in Tel Aviv on Aug. 19, 2024.

US calls for Hamas to accept cease-fire proposal now backed by Israel

The top US diplomat visited Israel days after the United States put forward a so-called bridging proposal in the cease-fire negotiations.

Elizabeth Whelan, sister of Paul Whelan, speaks during a press conference to launch the “Bring Our Families Home" campaign held by family members of hostages being held around the world, Washington, May 4, 2022.

Breaking | Last Updated: July 20, 2022, 7:18 am

Biden issues executive order on hostages amid pressure from families

The executive order will authorize government agencies to impose financial and travel sanctions on those involved in the wrongful detention of Americans.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian gives a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

US unveils fresh sanctions on Iranian oil trade network

The Biden administration designated 15 individuals and entities located in Iran, Vietnam, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell gives a press conference in Tehran.

Analysis

Cautious optimism as US, Iran set to resume indirect talks in Qatar

A State Department spokesperson confirmed US Special Envoy Robert Malley will travel to Doha, which will serve as the venue for "indirect discussions."

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Ali Hashem

By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Ali Hashem

Borrell

Analysis

Don’t write off the Iran nuclear deal just yet

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi still wants and needs the JCPOA more than Biden.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

Blinken

Analysis

Families of American hostages abroad discouraged after Blinken call

Participants don't feel the call made progress toward securing their loved ones' release and hope for a future audience with President Biden.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

In this photo made available by the US Navy, a boat of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy operates in close proximity to patrol coastal ship USS Sirocco.

Iran’s IRGC harasses US Navy in Persian Gulf as nuclear talks stall

The "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter was at least the second in just a few months, a Navy official confirmed.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (2nd-L).

Analysis

US, Iran still trying to close gap on nuclear deal

The Biden administration may be considering options for a Plan B if nuclear talks fail, but backchannel diplomacy is continuing.

Ali Hashem

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Ali Hashem , Elizabeth Hagedorn

Biden

Analysis

Biden approach to Saudi Arabia echoes Bush’s China policy after Tiananmen Square

Also: Washington and Riyadh seek to break Sudan deadlock; Syrian factions unite against Turkey.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

AFP via Getty Images

US imposes sanctions on Iranian petrochemical network

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration “will continue to use our sanctions authorities” if there's no nuclear deal with Iran.

Mohammad bin Salman

Biden to meet with Saudi crown prince in July visit

The president is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah following a visit to Israel and the West Bank, a senior administration official said.