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
US reaffirms stance on Turkey’s S-400, support for Syria’s Kurds The White House has maintained the previous administration's demands that Ankara dispose of the Russian missile defense system. United States
US senator says Turkish actions against pro-Kurdish party like ‘if Biden banned the Republican Party’ Democratic and Republican senators voiced heavy criticism of the Turkish government to a State Department official during a Wednesday hearing. The lawmakers accused Ankara of abusing the international police system, being an “aggressor” toward Greece, and much more. United States
Erdogan takes Taliban's warning in stride Turkey's leaders are brushing off the Taliban's warnings over extending its mission in Afghanistan. Turkey
Grand ayatollah warns against Iran's Taliban approach The rare criticism came as the Iranian establishment is accused of attempting to canonize the Taliban amid shifting regional dynamics. Iran
Turkey shrugs off Taliban warning over Kabul airport Flights to evacuate Afghan interpreters will begin by the end of July, the White House said today. Turkey
The Takeaway: Erdogan weighs risks of Afghan mission against benefits for US ties Also: Gulf airline race takes off; Islamic State steps up Iraq attacks; Fortnite fatwa riles Egyptian gamers; is Israel’s army too small?; child beggars in Gaza’s cemeteries; Iraq unearths 4,000 year old city; and more! All in only about 1,500 words. Turkey
Has Israel’s army become too small? Outgoing IDF deputy chief of staff Eyal Zamir warned this week that Israel's army would struggle to manage the multiple threats facing the country. Israel
Taliban renew demand that Turkey leave Afghanistan American and Turkish officials are still ironing out the last details on how to secure Kabul's airport. Turkey
King Abdullah to be first Arab head of state to meet with Biden King Abdullah will visit Washington for the first time in two years and is to meet with US President Joe Biden on July 19. Jordan
UAE and Georgia sign security cooperation agreement The agreement will focus on policing and crime, and follows the United Arab Emirates' warming up to Georgia's historical foe Russia. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Biden administration receives top Saudi official Biden administration officials meet with brother of Saudi Crown Prince, reaffirm US-Saudi partnership. United States
Israel activates third squadron of F-35 fighter jets Israel’s third squadron of F-35 fighter jets are set to be activated next week at Nevatim airbase. Israel