Defense/Security cooperation

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Analysis

Katz riles Iran, US as Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to settle for a brief meeting with President Donald Trump, while his defense minister, Israel Katz, appeared intent on provoking Iran by publicly disclosing sensitive intelligence.

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

Trump Netanyahu

On eighth visit, Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to repair ties with Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran in his Tuesday meeting with President Donald Trump, while the US leader is more likely to want to discuss Lebanon and Syria.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (not pictured) at the Pentagon on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.

Zaidi to meet Erdogan as Turkey-Iraq ties take off, Kurds feel sidelined

The Iraqi prime minister's visits to Ankara and Riyadh underscore Baghdad's push to deepen regional ties as Turkey seeks closer cooperation on energy and security.

moke rises from a high-rise building following a drone attack in Kuwait City on March 8, 2026.

Analysis

Can Kuwait secure a Saudi-style defense pact with Pakistan?

Kuwait and other GCC states are looking to Pakistan, among other countries, for alternate security arrangements and multilayered deterrence.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Latest News

Analysis

Ahead of Trump meeting, Netanyahu lays groundwork for Israel to rejoin Iran war

GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP via Getty Images

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

Explainer

As Turkey rivalry heats up, Greece to acquire $4B Israeli air defense system

David's Sling.

Israel fears US deal would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium

US President Donald Trump (R) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands as they arrive to speak to journalists during a joint press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 29, 2025.

Analysis

As Turkey eyes US naval revival, here is why big warship deals are unlikely

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey, greets Donald Trump, president of United States, during a welcome ceremony of allied heads of state and government, on July 8, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Bagram base in Afghanistan

The Takeaway: Erdogan weighs risks of Afghan mission against benefits for US ties

Also: Gulf airline race takes off; Islamic State steps up Iraq attacks; Fortnite fatwa riles Egyptian gamers; is Israel’s army too small?; child beggars in Gaza’s cemeteries; Iraq unearths 4,000 year old city; and more! All in only about 1,500 words.

ABBAS MOMANI/AFP via Getty Images

Has Israel’s army become too small?

Outgoing IDF deputy chief of staff Eyal Zamir warned this week that Israel's army would struggle to manage the multiple threats facing the country.

Taliban negotiator Suhail Shaheen attends a press conference in Moscow on July 9, 2021.

Taliban renew demand that Turkey leave Afghanistan

American and Turkish officials are still ironing out the last details on how to secure Kabul's airport.

Jordanian King Abdullah and his son Crown Prince Hussein

King Abdullah to be first Arab head of state to meet with Biden

King Abdullah will visit Washington for the first time in two years and is to meet with US President Joe Biden on July 19.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan

UAE and Georgia sign security cooperation agreement

The agreement will focus on policing and crime, and follows the United Arab Emirates' warming up to Georgia's historical foe Russia.

United Arab Emirates

Prince Khalid at Pentagon in 2019

Intel: Biden administration receives top Saudi official

Biden administration officials meet with brother of Saudi Crown Prince, reaffirm US-Saudi partnership.

An Israeli F35I fighter jet takes part in the "Blue Flag" multinational air defence exercise at the Ovda air force base, north of the Israeli city of Eilat, on Nov. 11, 2019.

Israel activates third squadron of F-35 fighter jets

Israel’s third squadron of F-35 fighter jets are set to be activated next week at Nevatim airbase.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

UAE orders Italy to withdraw forces from base in arms sale row

The Emirates is kicking Italy's forces out of Al Minhad airbase

United Arab Emirates

ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images

Egypt, Pakistan discuss joining forces against Muslim Brotherhood

Relations between Egypt and Pakistan have grown stronger as both countries seek to restrict the Muslim Brotherhood and parties supporting the group as well as fight extremism in Pakistan.

Kabul airport security detail

Turkey needs to build support for new Afghan mission

Turkey’s offer to secure Kabul’s airport might turn into a perilous mission unless it reaches some understanding with the Taliban and secures the critical support of regional actors such as Pakistan and Iran.

Gen. Joseph Aoun

US weighs options as Lebanon’s allies move to assist military

The Pentagon and State Department are exploring "creative ways" to help the Lebanese armed forces offset their costs amid financial crisis.

IDF Chief Aviv Kochavi makes a statement on Nov. 12, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Israeli army chief heading to Washington to restore mutual trust

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi is scheduled to fly to Washington this weekend, with the mission of restoring trust and cooperation between the sides, especially on the Iranian file.