AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Israeli police officers clash with ultra-Orthodox Jewish men during a protest against their conscription, Bnei Brak, Israel, July 16, 2024.

Analysis

How Netanyahu's bet on ultra-Orthodox exposes his vulnerability in Israel's upcoming election

The prime minister needs the support of the ultra-Orthodox, who reject mandatory conscription, if he is to have a chance at winning reelection and forming the next government.

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

People wave flags of Kurdistan during a march in Erbil, Iraq, on April 21, 2026, expressing support for the unity of Iranian Kurdish parties and condemning Iranian missile strikes and military actions against Kurdish groups in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Analysis

Why Iran's Kurdish front is becoming a growing wartime concern

A Friday Iranian strike on a Kurdish dissident base underscores Tehran's concern that its oldest internal security challenge has now become a wartime vulnerability.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Zinedine Zidane, while coach of Real Madrid, attends a press conference on the eve of their FIFA Club World Cup final match against Brazilian Gremio, Abu Dhabi, Dec. 15, 2017.

Culture

What a Zidane pick to coach France means in post-Deschamps era

After the loss in the semifinals, French-Algerian football star Zinedine Zidane will replace the retiring Didier Deschamps as coach of Les Bleus.

Algeria

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a session of the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on July 16, 2026, before the start of the election recess ahead of the Oct. 27 general election.

Analysis

Trump's ‘180-degree reversal’ on Lebanon, Syria leaves Netanyahu with few options before elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes an Israeli withdrawal from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon will help ease tensions with President Donald Trump.

By Ben Caspit

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

Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon in Sanaa on April 10, 2026.

Yemen's Houthis raise Red Sea stakes for Trump

With President Donald Trump ratcheting up his threats, will Iran play its Houthi card?

Iran

Latest News

Iran strike damages Kuwait power, desalination plant: What to know

Kuwait

US and Iran target infrastructure as strait shipping comes under further attack

People stand near a damaged portion of a bridge in the aftermath of a strike, in Bandar Khamir, Hormozgan province, Iran July 16, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from social media video. Social Media/via REUTERS

Analysis

What Zaidi's Washington visit means for US investment in Iraq

US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with Prime Minister of Iraq Ali al-Zaidi during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, July 14, 2026.

By Adam Lucente

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

Chevron, ConocoPhillips advance Iraq's Hormuz alternatives

Iraq

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Venice protests greet U.S. Ambassador Fertitta's arrival on superyacht

Reuters

Iran renews attacks on Gulf states after another night of US strikes

Reuters

Smoke rises from an explosion at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released July 17, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS

US military says it completed latest strikes on Iran, marking 7th consecutive night of attacks

Reuters

A satellite image shows what appears to be an oil slick off the coast of Dhofar Governorate, Oman, July 13, 2026. Satellite imagery analysis and experts indicate the slick may be linked to the Caroline Bezengi, a vessel under sanctions for transporting Russian fuel, in a protected marine area off the coast of Oman. EUROPEAN UNION/COPERNICUS SENTINEL-2/Handout via REUTERS

Sanctioned tanker is leaking oil near Oman, according to satellite images and experts

Reuters

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Middle East Minute

Iran hits Kuwait desalination plant, strikes Syria for first time

17 July, 8:45 AM ET

3:57

Middle East Minute

Syria says it seized Hezbollah weapons at Iraqi border

16 July, 8:55 AM ET

3:58

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Award-winning author Suzy Hansen says Turkish President Erdogan's grip on power not necessarily assured

Suzy Hansen joins Amberin Zaman

15 July, 2:15 PM ET

38:42

Interviews

Exclusive conversations with AL-MONITOR.

See All

Interview

Ayman Odeh says Arab parties could back Bennett or Eisenkot to block Netanyahu

Ayman Odeh

Head of the Knesset's Hadash-Ta'al faction

Interview

Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO

A student attends a training seminar at the Tourism Ministry Training center in the city of Riyadh on August 30, 2022.

Olivier Badard

CEO of Armada Holding

Interview

US-Egypt fund makes case for economic statecraft in hard power era

A worker counts banknotes after filling up the tank of a vehicle at a petrol station in Giza on March 10, 2026.

Cornelius Queen

Senior Vice President of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund

Interview

Why Strait of Hormuz no longer rattles oil markets as much: IMF

Jihad Azour

Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund

A ship sails off the coast of Ajman on July 10, 2026.

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

How Netanyahu's bet on ultra-Orthodox exposes his vulnerability in Israel's upcoming election

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Analysis

What Zaidi's Washington visit means for US investment in Iraq

By Adam Lucente

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

Analysis

Trump's ‘180-degree reversal’ on Lebanon, Syria leaves Netanyahu with few options before elections

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

Why Iran's Kurdish front is becoming a growing wartime concern

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Deciphering the US-Iran deal: What comes next?

June 23, 2026