US aircraft carrier nears Middle East as Geneva talks end without Iran breakthrough Washington’s flagship aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is in transit across the Mediterranean as US and Iranian negotiators wrapped up a third round of talks in Geneva. Iran
Turkey touts Somalia spaceport as Horn of Africa rivalry heats up A high-level presidential aide said the facility could open new avenues in defense and technology sharing between Turkey and Somalia. Turkey
US F-22 fighter jets reach Israel as military pressure builds on Iran The US Air Force's tier-one stealth fighter last June penetrated Iranian airspace undetected to pave the way for B-2 bomber strikes on key nuclear facilities, Pentagon officials said at the time. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict The Indian prime minister’s visit highlights growing cooperation on defense, AI, drones and regional trade, while signaling closer diplomatic coordination. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Israel fears Trump will clear path for partial Iran deal on nuclear standoff By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US pulls non-essential embassy staff from Lebanon as Iran tensions rise By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Dubai Airshow 2021 kicks off with expectations of big deals The rise in attacks around the region in recent years using drones pushed the sales of UAV technologies in the Middle East to reach $1.5 billion over the last five years. Legacy: Gulf
Israel, Egypt to increase military presence along Egypt's Rafah border Egypt and Israel sign an agreement allowing increased military presence in Egypt's Rafah border area, a move that analysts say is a win-win for the two neighbors. Egypt
US Rep. Ilhan Omar moves to block $650 million Saudi arms sale If passed by the Senate, the joint resolution would block the sale of 280 air-to-air missiles to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Israel loses patience with Iranian entrenchment in Syria Israel has detected increased activity by Iran as it builds up its military presence in Syria. Israel
Saudi-led coalition pushes back on reports of troop withdrawals from Yemen The Gulf coalition's denial comes amid reports of Saudi troop withdrawals from al-Mahra governorate. Yemen
UAE, Israel, Bahrain, US conduct joint naval exercise in Red Sea Fighter jets from Saudi Arabia and Israel flew alongside a US B-1 bomber over the region today in a separate exercise of force. Legacy: Gulf
Israel’s Bennett hopes to outdo Netanyahu in relations with India Stepping into the shoes of Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett makes efforts at strengthening the bilateral economic ties and the security alliance Israel has forged with India. Israel
UAE foreign minister visits Cyprus The UAE has grown closer to Cyprus on energy and defense issues. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel agrees to more Egyptian troops in Sinai Israel has agreed for Egypt to reinforce its military presence in the Sinai Peninsula. Israel
Saudi Arabia, UAE hold weekslong military exercise The joint defense exercises are expected to last three weeks. Legacy: Gulf
Israel to export border surveillance technology to Cyprus Israel’s military has extensive experience with border security surveillance in the West Bank. Israel
Israel drills for possible war with Hezbollah Despite Lebanon's economic crisis and Hezbollah being unlikely to launch a war amid such a dire situation, defense analysts warn that war is still possible. Israel
