US partners shy away as Pentagon readies for potential strikes against Iran Turkey and the United Kingdom are the latest among Washington’s military partners seeking to distance themselves from being tied to any planned strikes against Iran. United States
Analysis Despite warnings from Israel's defense elite, Netanyahu pushes for Iran strike Although Israeli advisers warn against appearing to drag the US into war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not hidden his desire to help topple the Islamic Republic. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US readies warships, jets, tankers for potential weekslong Iran war Pentagon assembles its largest Middle East strike force since 2003, adding F-35s, F-22s, tankers, electronic-warfare and command planes plus a second carrier. United States
Israel steps up Iran war preparations, keeps plans within small inner circle The Israeli military has not yet changed its current guidance for the civilian population. Israel
Feature After SDF-Damascus truce, is Kurdish haven still safe for Syria's Alawites? By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Israel concerned Iran trying to buy time but sees US strikes as still possible By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Trump fumes, Hamas scoffs: Will Israel’s Qatar strikes backfire? While the targeted Hamas leaders' fate is unknown, it is clear that the United States is unhappy with Tuesday’s strike and that Qatar will distance itself from mediating a Gaza ceasefire deal. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
CENTCOM commander meets Egypt’s Sisi in Cairo The Navy admiral’s visit comes as Pentagon officials aim to draw the North African state closer to Washington’s orbit and coordinate multilateral efforts to deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Egypt
Trump aims to crack Gulf's armed drone market with looser export restrictions Washington's latest reinterpretation of the 35-nation MTCR agreement is expected to open the door for a potential major sale of advanced aerial weaponry to Saudi Arabia. United States
As youth unemployment nears 50%, can conscription ease Jordan's economic woes? Jordan is reinstating mandatory military service for young men to address rising youth unemployment, promote national identity, and counter domestic and regional security threats. Jordan
Analysis Inside Israel's Yemen operation that decapitated Houthi leadership Since Israel's intelligence began focusing on the Houthi threat in July, efforts to quell the threat from Yemen have grown much more precise. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Syria seizes Captagon with Turkish backing amid drug trade boom The new Islamist government in Syria has prioritized dismantling the Captagon trade, but the industry is still thriving. Syria
UAE says Israel’s West Bank annexation push a ‘red line': What to know There are growing indications that the Israeli government is seeking to annex the Palestinian territory, but the UAE is becoming increasingly critical of the plan. Israel
Pentagon kicks off Bright Star war games in Egypt with 1,500 US troops US Central Command is seeking to firm up Washington’s sway with Egypt's leaders amid signs of instability, as China expands its own leverage over the strategic state that controls the Suez Canal. Egypt
Israel calls up 60,000 reservists for Gaza City op, but how many will show up? The mobilization of 60,000 reservists for Gaza City could be undermined if significant numbers decline to serve. Israel
Israel cautious on Lebanon withdrawal despite Netanyahu overtures, US push The Trump administration is pressuring Netanyahu to make concessions to the Lebanese government in exchange for its efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Israel
At SCO summit in China, Iran seeks support ahead of UN sanctions China's SCO will bring together major world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, as Tehran seeks support amid mounting Western pressure. China
UK bans Israeli officials from major defense fair: What to know After suspending trade talks and sanctioning Israeli far-right ministers, the British government barred an official Israeli delegation from a major London defense fair. Israel
