Archives for June, 2026

FILE PHOTO: A general view shows a part of the capital Bangui, Central African Republic, February 16, 2016. REUTERS/Siegfried Modola

US plans to deport Iranians to Central African Republic, sources say

Reuters

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.

'Pilot zones' offer litmus test for Lebanon to clear Israel border of Hezbollah

As the Trump administration focuses reaching a peace deal with Iran, US officials have been hosting backroom talks between Israeli and Lebanese diplomats aimed at finally resolving the question of Hezbollah’s entrenchment along Israel’s northern border.

Chairman of Securities and Exchange Commission Jay Clayton speaks during a Financial Stability Oversight Council meeting October 16, 2018, at the Treasury Department in Washington, DC.

Trump names US attorney Jay Clayton new intelligence chief: What to know

Both the House and Senate on Thursday rejected legislation to renew a controversial section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, with some lawmakers citing concerns over Bill Pulte, who has been serving as acting DNI.

An unmanned aerial vehicle is seen during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025. (Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP) (Photo by GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)

Explainer

How Iran war is giving China an opening in Gulf drone market

The ongoing war has helped China carve out a growing role in Gulf defense by offering cheaper, faster and less restricted drone capabilities.

People ride past a billboard depicting the late leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and the late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street in Tehran, Iran, June 10, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Trump cancels strikes against Iran planned for Thursday evening

Reuters

Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides (2nd L) and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron (C) review the honor guard at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on April 23, 2026, ahead of a meeting on the sidelines of a European summit.

Explainer

Turkey slams France-Cyprus military pact as East Med rivalries deepen

Ankara says a defense deal between France and the Republic of Cyprus risks upsetting the island’s delicate balance, as defense ties among Cyprus, Greece, Israel and France deepen.

US President Donald Trump watches the start of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

Trump calls off Iran strikes, says deal is close

Iran did not immediately respond to his claim that its leadership had approved a deal.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Firefighters work to extinguish fire in the aftermath of Iranian drone attacks, according to Bahrain's Interior Ministry, at a location given as Bahrain, in this handout image released on June 11, 2026. Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain/Handout via REUTERS

US will receive a severe response if it attacks again, Iran's top joint military command says

Reuters

FILE PHOTO: People's belongings lie scattered at the site of an Israeli strike on an apartment building in Gaza City, June 4, 2026. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas/File Photo

Israeli fire kills three in Gaza amid new ceasefire push

Reuters

Special Immigrants from Afghanistan walk through the in-processing building after their evacuation at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, August 20, 2021. U.S. Army/Sgt. Jimmie Baker/Handout via REUTERS

Democrats, Republicans ask Trump administration not to ship Afghan allies to unsafe countries

Reuters

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

Interview

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

As Washington focuses on war and deterrence, the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund argues private-sector investment can advance US strategic interests.

Cornelius Queen

Cornelius Queen

Senior Vice President of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund

President of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) Janez Jansa is sworn in as the prime minister of Slovenia, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 22, 2026. REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic

Slovenia lifts ban on arms trade with Israel

Reuters

Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile launching system is displayed at the exposition field in Kubinka Patriot Park outside Moscow on Aug. 22, 2017 during the first day of the International Military-Technical Forum Army-2017.

Analysis

As Trump admin drops Halkbank case, S-400 last big hurdle in US-Turkey ties

The move eases a key source of friction with Turkey ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Bessent says Iran's frozen assets will pay for Gulf damage, Hormuz tolls

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that any damage Iran inflicts on Gulf allies will be paid for with funds extracted from Iranian accounts.

Kuwaiti Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft fly over during an airshow commemorating Kuwait's 64th Independence Day in Kuwait City on Feb. 25, 2025.

Analysis

How Iran war is reshaping Kuwait's air defense strategy

After repeated missile and drone attacks, Kuwait is investing in new counter-drone capabilities while reassessing vulnerabilities exposed by the conflict.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to delegates during a meeting on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., April 27, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo

UN's Guterres calls for return to U.S.-Iran ceasefire

Reuters