Defense/Security cooperation

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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 President Isaac Herzog, inside Number 10 Downing Street in central London on Nov. 23, 2021, during a three-day visit.

Israel’s president considers visit to Turkey

Reports claim the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog is in contact with the office of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a possible visit in Ankara.

Tom Dulat/Getty Images

UAE seeks Pentagon’s support following drone attack on Abu Dhabi

The UAE has asked the Biden administration to reinstate a prior terrorist designation for Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Russian soldiers stand aboard a ship at the Russian naval base in the Syrian Mediterranean port of Tartus on Sept. 26, 2019.

Crimean, Syrian ports sign cooperation agreements

A Syrian government delegation visited the Russian-backed breakaway republic this week.

Turkey Hurjet

Turkey to begin mass producing fighter jet training plane

The Hürjet is now expected to take first flight next year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during their meeting in Sochi on Oct. 22, 2021.

Bennett makes efforts to establish friendly relationship with Putin

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Russian President Vladimir Putin this week to discuss regional strategic issues such as Syria and Iran.

JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images

2 Israeli soldiers killed by friendly fire

The incident comes less than a week after two Israeli pilots were killed in a helicopter crash off Haifa.

SU-35

Moscow struggles to sell fighter jets in the Mideast

With Egypt and Algeria reportedly backing out of plans to acquire Russian-made fighter jets, there is speculation Tehran could emerge as a potential buyer.

Barnea

Report says Mossad chief had met with Libyan PM

Arab media outlets claimed yesterday that Mossad Director David Barnea met in Jordan recently with Khalifa Hifter’s rival, Libyan transition Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh.

Riot police officers patrol in a street as unprecedented protests over a hike in energy prices spun out of control in Almaty on Jan. 5, 2022.

Kazakhstan crisis challenges Turkey's leadership of Turkic union

The unrest rattling Kazakhstan has reflected the irrelevance of Turkey and the Organization of Turkic States chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images

Israel angles for benefits from new deal with Iran

Having reached the conclusion that a new Iran deal is inevitable, Israel is now focusing on getting tactical assurances and military support from the United States.

Jordanian King Abdullah meets in his palace with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz (L), Amman, Jordan, Jan. 5 2022.

Gantz, King Abdullah discuss regional stability

Clearly it is no coincidence that Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz met in Amman with Jordanian King Abdullah one week only after hosting in his Rosh Ha’ayin home Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) greets Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) upon his arrival for a meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin on Nov. 20, 2019.

Will Germany freeze the arms deal with Egypt?

The mutual escalation between Egypt and Germany regarding the human rights situation in Egypt and the threat to freeze the military deal agreed upon by German Chancellor Angela Merkel before her departure to Egypt raised several questions about the future of the relationship between the two countries as a new government takes over the country.