US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
'Treason is war for external interests': Lebanon’s Aoun hits back at Hezbollah Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejects Hezbollah’s criticism of talks with Israel, insisting negotiations are aimed at ending hostilities and saying “treason” is taking the country to war for external interests. Lebanon
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Will Iran manage to dodge ripple effects of Red Sea tensions? The Islamic Republic has condemned the Western coalition strikes targeting its favored Houthi rebels in Yemen, yet it appears to have no appetite for an escalation that could threaten its very survival. Iran
In fallout of Somaliland-Ethiopia deal, Turkey backs Somalia amid rivalries Turkey's harsh reaction to the deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia reflects its close ties with Somalia, where it has a military base and commercial interests. Turkey
With US strikes in Yemen, Biden gives Houthis the war they want US strikes against Houthis will help the group portray itself as the defender of the Palestinians and rally support inside Yemen. Legacy: Gulf
Tesla, Volvo pause production lines, oil prices up amid Red Sea tension There is a fast-growing list of companies that have had to recalibrate their business strategies while the Red Sea shipping route remains volatile. Yemen
From Turkey to Iran, condemnations, calls for revenge to strikes on Houthis The overnight US and British strikes against Houthi military sites in Yemen have further raised concerns of a regional war. Legacy: Gulf
US, UK carry out strikes against Yemen's Houthis following Red Sea attacks The allied forces struck radar sites and weapons storage facilities with bombs after Houthis spurned a warning by the United States and a dozen others to halt their attacks on Red Sea commercial shipping. Yemen
US seeks diplomatic deal to contain Israel-Lebanon escalation Amos Hochstein said he was hopeful a "temporary compromise" could be reached to ease tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border. Lebanon
Breaking | Last Updated: January 11, 2024, 6:41 pm US, UK mull strikes against Iran-backed Houthis following Red Sea attacks British media reported that Downing Street called for an emergency cabinet meeting tonight to approve UK military action against the Houthis. Yemen
