US partners shy away as Pentagon readies for potential strikes against Iran Turkey and the United Kingdom are the latest among Washington’s military partners seeking to distance themselves from being tied to any planned strikes against Iran. United States
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. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
In letter, US lays out 7 demands for next Iraqi PM, with emphasis on Iran The Trump administration is pressing Baghdad on Iranian influence and the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with Iraq's top diplomat claiming the US stipulations include a "hint" toward potential sanctions. Iraq
Iran, Russia hold naval drills as Araghchi briefs Saudi FM on nuclear talks There are increasing indications a US military strike could be on the horizon as momentum toward a new Iran nuclear deal stalls. Iran
US seeking release of fourth American held in Iran National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the administration was working to bring home "four unjustly detained Americans" in Iran. Iran
Analysis Israeli army faces internal fissures over judicial overhaul as Iran watches The refusal of hundreds of pilots and air force officers to show up for volunteer reserve duty marks the unprecedented rift hovering over Israel’s society generated by the government’s judicial overhaul plan. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pentagon sends US Marines to deter Iran tanker seizures in Persian Gulf A Marine Expeditionary Unit will follow F-35s, F-16s and a Navy destroyer in deployment to the region to ward off Tehran's retaliatory seizures. Legacy: Gulf
Top US general pumps brakes on sending more forces to confront Russia in Syria Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley suggested there's little the US can do to stop Russian fighter pilots' free rein over Syria's skies but warned American forces will defend themselves if they detect "hostile intent." Syria
Biden pledges Iran 'never acquires nuclear weapon' as he hosts Israel’s Herzog In his comment before his meeting with Israel's President Isaac Herzog, President Joe Biden did not address the Netanyahu government's judicial overhaul plan. But he did reiterate the US commitment to Israel's security and the strong ties between the two countries. Israel
Iran declares 'efficient deterrence' against any military strike Iran has in recent years shown off its military advancements, particularly its drones and ballistic missiles, shrugging off Western worries that it is escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East. Iran
US sends F-35s, Navy destroyer to Middle East amid aggressive moves by Russia, Iran The Pentagon is bolstering its defenses in the region as Congress presses the Biden administration to crack down on Iran's oil and gas exports. Iran
Russia, Iran quietly coordinating in Syria to pressure US, official says Russia is trying to squeeze the US out of Syria's airspace while the IRGC continues to flow weapons used to attack US bases into the country, a senior military official said. Syria
Iran rebukes Italy over 'terror sponsorship' after hosting MEK leader Iran was enraged by the Italian Senate Foreign Relations Committee after it hosted the leader of an opposition group that has been seeking regime change in Tehran for decades. Iran
Iran’s Raisi seals 21 deals on Africa trip, attends drone exhibit in Kenya Iran is seeking stronger ties to sub-Saharan Africa but faces competition from the Gulf and China. Iran
Analysis Israel’s Hezbollah deterrence is eroding as Lebanon border heats up IDF seniors warn that Hezbollah is becoming bolder and bolder, increasingly attempting to infiltrate Israeli territories and to provoke incidents with Israel. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran summons Russia's ambassador over UAE islands dispute On Monday, Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement calling for a “a peaceful solution” to the dispute over the Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands “in accordance with international law." Iran
