Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
As US talks stall, Hezbollah chief defiant, says Israel to leave Lebanon ’humiliated' The speech comes as the Lebanese-Israeli talks appeared to reach a deadlock this week amid Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Lebanon
CENTCOM commander heads to Israel, Gulf as Lebanon talks stall Israel's top defense official said his country would not withdraw from Lebanon despite diplomatic pressure from Washington as it seeks rapprochement with Iran. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey detains 233 ahead of NATO summit, including LGBTQ+ activist Yildiz Tar The operation included alleged militant suspects as well as LGBTQ+ and leftist activists, raising concerns over the scope of the crackdown. Turkey
Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis How Netanyahu used Lebanon strikes to push back on Trump’s Iran deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Fears in Lebanon that US-Iran deal boosts Hezbollah without restraining Israel By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Lebanon holds airport tours to dispel weapons report amid Israel-Hezbollah tension Lebanon has responded to a report that Hezbollah is moving weapons through its international airport with a tour for foreign diplomats and journalists. Lebanon
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Qatar
US Navy rescues 24 crew members after Houthi attack, 1 lost at sea Two cargo ships are at risk of sinking in the Red Sea, abandoned by their crews after Houthi missile strikes triggered US airstrikes on radar sites controlled by the Yemeni rebels. Yemen
Do Lebanon's US Embassy attack, border clashes signal rise in extremism? While armed groups are becoming more active in Lebanon in the wake of regional tensions resulting from the Gaza war, some believe the country is not prone to rise of extremism. Lebanon
Hamas figure says 'no one has any idea' how many hostages left alive Hamas criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks on the cease-fire and blamed Israel for the failure to reach a deal, while a senior official said the group wants more clarity on the Biden administration proposal. Palestine
In Turkey, Qatar defense chief says no plans to expel Hamas The Qatari minister’s remarks came in response to increasing reports that the Gulf state is considering shuttering Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Turkey
US sanctions Palestinian Lion's Den armed group in West Bank The group emerged in 2022 amid an uptick of violence between Palestinians and settlers in Nablus Israel
Attack on US Embassy in Lebanon, Syrian gunman wounded Investigations are ongoing into the shooting incident, which comes amid intensified cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanon
Palestinian presidency criticizes Iran's Khamenei publicly: What we know Iran has long backed Hamas and threw its support behind the group following its assault on southern Israel last October. Palestine
What we know on Houthis' latest Ghadr anti-ship Iranian ballistic missile Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Wednesday that the Yemeni militant group has obtained the technology to manufacture anti-ship ballistic missiles. Iran
Turkey's flag carrier resumes flights to Afghanistan after 3-year pause The Turkish envoy hailed the resumption of flights as a “new era.” Turkey
Pentagon delegation heading to Niger to discuss US withdrawal Hopes have faded in Washington that the roughly 1,100 American troops based at a remote drone base in central Niger will be allowed to remain in the country. By AL-MONITOR Staff
