Defense/Security cooperation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands amid debris outside the Soroka Hospital in the southern city of Beersheba, after it was hit by a missile fired from Iran on June 19, 2025. Israel's defence minister warned that Iran's supreme leader "can no longer be allowed to exist" after a hospital was hit in an Iranian missile strike on June 19, spiking tensions in the week-old war. (Photo by Marc Israel SELLEM / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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

DENMARK-NORWAY-US-FRANCE-NATO-ARMY-DEFENCE-EXERCISE Picture taken on September 24, 2025 from the French Navy frigate Bretagne shows F-18 fighter jets on the deck of the the world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford as both ships are taking part in the NATO Neptune Strike 2025 exercise in the North Sea. According to NATO, more than 10,000 sailors, soldiers, aviators and marines from 13 allied nations took part in the large-scale multinational enhanced Vigilance Activity, running from September 22 to

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.

Members of the Israeli security forces check the apparent remains of an Iranian ballistic missile lying on the ground in the Golan Heights, Northern Israel, on Thursday, June 19, 2025. (Photo by Michael Giladi / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL GILADI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Members of People's Defense Units (YPG) stand guard as Syrian government internal security personnel enter the northeastern city of Hasakeh, a Kurdish stronghold, on Feb. 2, 2026.

Feature

After SDF-Damascus truce, is Kurdish haven still safe for Syria's Alawites?

Thousands of Alawites who fled violence in western Syria now face uncertainty as the Syrian government and Kurdish forces reach a tentative truce.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Latest News

Interview

Huckabee confirms US-Israel alignment on Iran, says Hamas will disarm 'sooner or later'

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, US President Donald Trump's nominee to be ambassador to Israel, testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, March 25, 2025.

Analysis

Israel concerned Iran trying to buy time but sees US strikes as still possible

Robin MILLARD / AFP via Getty Images

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

On first Horn of Africa trip in 10 years, Erdogan cautions Ethiopia over Somaliland

Marco Simoncelli / AFP via Getty Images

Turkey’s Erdogan heads to Ethiopia amid tensions over Horn of Africa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan looks on as Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (not pictured) addresses the media during a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex, Ankara, Turkey, Feb. 11, 2026.

A soldier of a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) platoon of the U.S. Army 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, readies a Anduril Ghost-X helicopter surveillance drone for take-off during the Combined Resolve 25-1 military exercises at the Hohenfels Training Area in Bavaria on Feb. 3, 2025 near Hohenfels, Germany.

CENTCOM launches task force to drive Pentagon’s drone race

New unit aims to put "combat-credible" drone systems into the hands of US troops in the Middle East within 60 days, part of an ambitious new push by the Pentagon to leapfrog advances made by Washington's adversaries in fielding cheaply made but lethal armed drones.

THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images

Spain imposes 'total' arms embargo on Israel over Gaza war: What to know

The embargo leaves room for exceptions where Spain’s “national interests” are concerned.

Moroccan soldiers patrol the city of Tangiers on August 11, 2020 amid a new outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

India, Morocco open new military factory in Casablanca region

The facility will make WhAP 8x8 armored combat vehicles for the Moroccan military and international markets.

People pose for photographs in front of a Turkish Hurjet at Turkey's 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) on July 24, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Analysis

As US steps back from Europe, Turkey eyes bigger role in NATO defense industry

Ankara’s growing defense industry offers Europe new opportunities, but political rifts and technological hurdles may limit its reach.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Pakistani Prime Minister and Saudi crown prince

Analysis

Planned diversification or US doubts? Why Saudi Arabia inked Pakistan security pact

Saudi Arabia’s new defense pact with Pakistan signals growing Gulf doubts about US security guarantees.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

A US Army Mobile Low, Slow, Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (MLIDS) vehicle equipped with counter-drone sensors and weapons. Similar systems were fielded during the Red Sands 2025 exercise in Saudi Arabia.

US, Saudi Arabia wrap up drone drill after Iran’s top security chief visits Riyadh

The US military framed the drill, which was held amid tensions following Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, as a response to drone attacks by Iran and its proxies.

Head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Sept. 16, 2025.

Iran’s Larijani meets MBS, Saudi defense chiefs in Riyadh: What to know

The trip is Ali Larijani’s third since he returned to head the Supreme National Security Council and follows Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian calling for greater unity in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Western Wall, Jerusalem, Sept. 14, 2025.

Analysis

As Trump rebukes Netanyahu over Doha strikes, Rubio talks tactics in Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must regret that it is US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and not the president visiting Israel this Monday.

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

People look at a Turkish fighter jet on display at Turkey's 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul on July 25, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Analysis

Will Spain’s exit from US F-35 program open the door for Turkey’s fighter fleet?

As Madrid abandons its F-35 acquisition, some analysts say Turkey’s fifth-generation Kaan could be a medium term addition to Spain's fighter fleet.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio walks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani as they meet at the Department of State in Washington, on April 22, 2025.

Analysis

Damage control: Can US calm Gulf security concerns after Israel strikes?

Unprecedented Israeli air raids targeting Hamas negotiators in Doha have sown doubt among Gulf allies about Washington’s commitment to guaranteeing the oil-rich region's security.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Analysis

Netanyahu scrambles as Gulf states push Trump to sanction Israel over Doha strikes

In an unusual move reflecting the difficult position Netanyahu placed the administration in, the United States supported a United Nations Security Council statement on Thursday condemning the Israeli strike.

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

TOPSHOT - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (R) visit the scene of a shooting at the Ramot road junction in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on September 8, 2025. Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on September 8, killing five people and wounding several others. Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) said there were five victims dead in the shooting attack, updating an earlier toll of four. Police

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.

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