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June 6, 2026

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Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon close to the Beaufort Castle as seen from a position across the border in the Upper Galilee, in northern Israel on June 4, 2026.

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.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency, a katyusha rocket is fired from a speed boat during a military drill near the port of Bandar Jask in the Sear of Oman on May 10, 2010.

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.

An Iranian flag flutters in the wind as ships remain anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, 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.

A portrait of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is visible in heavily damaged building in the border town of Ayta al-Chaab, southern Lebanon, Feb. 21, 2026.

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.

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

Latest News

In aftermath of Iran attack, Rubio hosts Kuwait FM: What to know

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah walk together during a brief appearance for the press as they meet at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 4, 2026.

As Iran seeks leverage, can US enforce Lebanon-Israel ceasefire?

AFP via Getty Images

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

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

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

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

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

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

Joyce Karam

Editor-in-Chief

Rosaleen Carroll

News Reporter and Supporting Editor

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Paul J. Saunders

In Washington, DC, reporting on Russia in the Middle East

Lloyd Austin

Pentagon chief to assure allies of US commitment in Bahrain, UAE

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will speak at the Manama Dialogue forum on Saturday morning.

United Arab Emirates

Empty voting booths are seen in Flint, Michigan at the Berston Fieldhouse polling place on Nov. 3, 2020.

US charges two Iranians over campaign to influence 2020 election

The US Treasury Department also announced sanctions on the Iranians and an Iran-based company for their role in the alleged influence campaign.

Jamaal Bowman

Socialist group criticizes US congressman for Israel trip

Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York is a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, but Democratic Socialists of America, which supports a boycott of Israel, is not happy about his recent travel to Israel and the West Bank.

An Italian air force F-35 takes off during the "Blue Flag" multinational air defence exercise at the Ovda air force base, north of the Israeli city of Eilat, on Oct. 24, 2021.

Intel: US, UAE talk F-35 as Russia pitches stealth aircraft

A top State Department official warned the Biden administration is "very serious" about imposing sanctions on partners that purchase Russian military hardware.

The amphibious assault ship USS Essex sails off the coast of Dili, East Timor, Oct. 31, 2001.

Iranian helicopter made 'dangerous' approach to US Navy ship, Pentagon says

Iran and the United States are upping the ante in the Gulf ahead of a planned return to negotiations in Vienna.

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) listens during a news conference on the treatment of Haitian immigrants at the U.S. border in Texas on Sept. 22, 2021 in Washington, DC.

US Rep. Ilhan Omar moves to block $650 million Saudi arms sale

If passed by the Senate, the joint resolution would block the sale of 280 air-to-air missiles to Riyadh.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks following talks on the situation in Afghanistan.

Intel: Qatar to represent US diplomatic interests in Afghanistan

Qatar will act as the formal diplomatic messenger between Afghanistan's Taliban leaders and Washington.

Sudan protest

The Takeaway: Ethiopia's escalating crisis imperils other US objectives in region

Netanyahu’s last stand to bring down Israeli coalition?; China comes between US and Israel; Turkey readies for Syria battle; clerics question pig transplants; experts question second Sphinx; Egypt’s first female chanters … all in less than 1,400 words!

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) (C) speaks with a reporter following a vote as he departs in the subway of the US Capitol on February 23, 2021, in Washington, DC.

Senate committee advances Biden nominee for Middle East policy

Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had a fiery debate over the confirmation process, which touched on US policy toward Egypt, Israel and Lebanon.

Protestors hold placards and photographs as they shout slogans during a rally to denounce the Sudanese military coup.

Intel: Saudi Arabia, UAE publicly reject Sudan’s coup

Washington is trying to bring its Middle Eastern allies into line with international efforts to revive the transition to democracy in Khartoum.

Sudanese youths confront security forces amidst tear gas fired by them to disperse protesters in the capital Khartoum, on Oct. 27, 2021, amid ongoing demonstrations against a military takeover that has sparked widespread international condemnation.

Intel: US sees role for Sudan’s military in government if coup reversed

The Biden administration is relying on economic pressure to push Gen. Burhan to reinstate deposed civilian leaders.

bomber

US flies B-1 bomber over Middle East amid tensions with Iran

The Pentagon is renewing show-of-strength flights over the Persian Gulf as the US waits for talks over Iran's nuclear program to resume.