Analysis Will Democrats block Trump’s push to deliver Turkey F-35s, lift sanctions? Democratic control of Congress complicates Turkey’s push for F-35s and sanctions relief, but Ankara remains hopeful Trump can still broker a deal. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia Turkey will now decide the scope of military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Turkey
Massie renews Hegseth impeachment push as GOP blames Iran war for midterm losses Most Democrats and at least a few Republicans are said to support impeaching Hegseth, but President Donald Trump still publicly backs the beleaguered Pentagon chief, and House leadership can still try to prevent a vote on Rep. Massie's measure. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports Multiple recent reports reveal increased Russian support for Iran, including weapons and intelligence sharing. Iran
Hegseth fires Pentagon’s top strategist accused of leaks amid Iran war By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Biden announces end to US combat mission in Iraq Following a White House meeting today between US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the two side announced an agreement that the US combat mission in Iraq will end by Dec. 31, 2021. Iraq
US reaffirms stance on Turkey’s S-400, support for Syria’s Kurds The White House has maintained the previous administration's demands that Ankara dispose of the Russian missile defense system. United States
US senator says Turkish actions against pro-Kurdish party like ‘if Biden banned the Republican Party’ Democratic and Republican senators voiced heavy criticism of the Turkish government to a State Department official during a Wednesday hearing. The lawmakers accused Ankara of abusing the international police system, being an “aggressor” toward Greece, and much more. United States
Erdogan takes Taliban's warning in stride Turkey's leaders are brushing off the Taliban's warnings over extending its mission in Afghanistan. Turkey
Grand ayatollah warns against Iran's Taliban approach The rare criticism came as the Iranian establishment is accused of attempting to canonize the Taliban amid shifting regional dynamics. Iran
Turkey shrugs off Taliban warning over Kabul airport Flights to evacuate Afghan interpreters will begin by the end of July, the White House said today. Turkey
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. Turkey
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. Israel
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. Turkey
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. Jordan
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
Intel: Biden administration receives top Saudi official Biden administration officials meet with brother of Saudi Crown Prince, reaffirm US-Saudi partnership. United States