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
Iran, Russia, China conduct new military drills, defying Western pressure The exercise brought together the three countries' lead warships for the stated purpose of bolstering maritime security, while Tehran-backed Yemeni rebels continued to target international navigation in the wake of the Gaza war. Iran
After defense deal, Turkey and Somalia ink energy accord amid Somaliland tensions Turkey is hailing its new agreement with Somalia as it works to enhance its presence in the Horn of Africa. Turkey
Pro-Palestine protesters block UK arms fair sponsored by Israel’s Elbit Systems Since 2015, Britain has licensed more than $602 million worth of military exports to Israel, including components for combat aircraft, missiles, tanks, technology, small arms and ammunition, according to the Campaign Against Arms Trade group. Israel
Turkey spy chief Kalin to meet CIA’s Burns, discuss Syria on first US visit In addition to bilateral ties, the Gaza and Russia-Ukraine wars will top the agenda of the Turkish intelligence chief’s meetings with his US counterpart and other US officials. Turkey
In Antalya, Turkey courts Russia on Black Sea deal, the West on defense Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is in Turkey, where he is set to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as Ankara continues to deepen ties with the United States and European Union while also maintaining solid relations with Moscow. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkey receives US draft letter approving F-16 sale The submission of the acceptance and offer letters marks a new turn in the Turkish bid, which has been pending since 2021. Turkey
Ex-Israeli military intel chief: Hamas split, Netanyahu govt derail Gaza deal Former intelligence chief Tamir Hayman believes that a Gaza cease-fire could open opportunities for normalization with Saudi Arabia. Israel
Analysis Israel hits Hezbollah deeper in Lebanon, but full-scale war not there yet The downing of an Israeli military drone by a Hezbollah missile does not bode well for international efforts to prevent war on the Israel-Lebanon border. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Interview Yemen’s Houthis undeterred by strikes, senior US Navy commander says In an exclusive interview, the US Navy’s top commander in the Middle East leveled with Al-Monitor about what the current campaign against the Houthis has achieved, saying diplomatic pressure could ultimately get the Iran-backed rebels to halt their brazen attacks on international commercial shipping. George Wikoff Commander of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet
Israel’s military exports to India booming, 'unaffected' by war in Gaza Israel has been one of the top military exporters to India over the past decade. Israel
Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet Kaan completes maiden flight Kaan's 13-minute flight, at an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots, is being hailed as a milestone in Turkey’s efforts to maximize self-sufficiency in the defense sector. Turkey
In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced. Lebanon
