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

Israeli Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot (C) attends a ceremony at the Mount Herzel military cemetery on Remembrance Day, commemorating fallen soldiers in the country's conflicts, Jerusalem, May 1, 2017.

Former IDF chief says Israel came close to killing Soleimani before US

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot revealed that Israel almost killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani a year and a half before he was assassinated by the Americans.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz al-Saud (R) and Saudi Arabia's Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Riyadh governor (L) in Riyadh, Feb. 12, 2007.

Saudi business group touts plan to improve economic ties with Russia

Russia is working to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and wants the kingdom to buy its S-400 missile defense system.

Female members of the Syrian Democratic Forces deploy outside Ghwayran prison in Syria's northeastern city of Hasakeh on January 26, 2022.

Syrian prison battle leaves hundreds dead and many IS free

A massive attack on detention facilities in northeastern Syria under US-backed, Kurdish-led forces has ended after almost a week of fighting, though the fate of some hostages remains unclear.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani prepares to speak at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 24, 2019, in New York City.

Qatar’s emir heads to Washington next week, report

Discussions are likely to include Iran negotiations, Afghanistan and a US effort to provide alternative energy supplies to Europe in the event Russia invades Ukraine.

Washington Connection

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Bad news for Netanyahu as inquiry peers into submarine affair

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried hard to prevent a commission of inquiry into the submarine scandal that has plagued him, but its time has come.

Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz attends a Cabinet meeting of the new government at Chagall State Hall in the Knesset, Jerusalem, May 24, 2020.

Israeli Cabinet approves probe into submarine affair

Defense Minister Benny Gantz marked an important victory with the government approving his long-standing proposal to establish a state inquiry commission on the "submarine affair."

Ethiopia Tigray

Ripple effects from drone sales force Turkey to move Ethiopian embassy

Turkey was forced to relocate its Ethiopian embassy to Kenya after increasing threat out of its involvement in the country’s clashes with the Tigray rebels by supplying combat drones to Addis Ababa.

A picture shows a partial view of the Msaffah industrial district in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, on Jan. 17, 2022.

Israel points finger at Iran for Houthi attack on UAE

Israel is worried about the international community's lack of reaction to the Houthi drone attack on the Emirates, surely orchestrated by Iran.

ThyssenKrupp submarine under construction

Israel signs agreement to buy three more German submarines

While the Knesset debates opening an inquiry into the purchase of German submarines under the Netanyahu government, Defense Minister Benny Gantz has announced a new deal with ThyssenKrupp for the purchase of three more such vessels.

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Arrow 3 missile-interceptors add to Israel’s long-term plan against Iran

The successful testing this week of the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic-missile system is part of IDF preparations against a nuclear-threshold Iran.

Putin Raisi

Iran to host joint naval exercises with Russia, China

US foreign policy appears to be pushing its major adversaries into each others' hands.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (R) during their meeting in Moscow on Jan. 19, 2022.

Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks

Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries.