Explainer Three ways Democrats could cut off Trump’s Iran war funding With fewer than 20 days on the Senate’s legislative calendar before Democrats take the majority in January, Republicans face an uphill battle to rush funding to the Pentagon ahead of the new Congress. Iran
Analysis As Mossad chief visits US, fears grow Netanyahu could strike Iran to block Eisenkot Israel's opposition leaders fear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could exploit the transition period to reignite the Iran conflict, thereby delaying or even preventing the formation of a new government. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran’s IRGC claims attack on US target in Bahrain: What to know The US military denied that Iran had targeted an early-warning system in Bahrain, saying its forces shot down two Iranian drones headed toward the Gulf island. Iran
Eisenkot meets Netanyahu in bid to avoid Iran strikes Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a security briefing amid opposition concerns that the government could launch a military operation against Iran. Israel
Rubio rejects Iran reparation demand as Trump touts deal momentum By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Ilhan Omar signs onto AIPAC letter siding with Trump on Iran After clashing repeatedly with AIPAC, Rep. Ilhan Omar has signed onto one of their key lobby agenda items for this year. Israel
Report: Trump threatened to remove US troops from Saudi if no oil production cut Trump told the Saudi Crown Prince that US troops would leave Saudi Arabia if OPEC did not cut production, according to a new report. Saudi Arabia
Intel: House Middle East panel spotlights Yemen in first virtual briefing The House Foreign Affairs Committee spotlighted Yemen in its first virtual briefing, which the Middle East subcommittee held today. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s S-400 delay is about more than just the economy and COVID-19 Turkey’s deepening economic woes are widely seen as the prime reason behind its decision to delay the activation of the Russian S-400 systems. But an array of other factors have been at play that are forcing Ankara to think twice. Turkey
Intel: Trump administration claims Palestinian aid not reaching people who need it Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, explaining the Donald Trump administration’s decision to provide $5 million in COVID-19 assistance to the Palestinians in place of $75 million appropriated overall, said US economic and humanitarian aid for the West Bank and Gaza is being cut in general because it was not reaching the people. Palestine
Intel: Iran launched its first satellite into space. Then Trump threatened to destroy Iranian vessels. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran today on Twitter, saying he has “instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea.” Originals
Intel: Netanyahu, Gantz strike West Bank annexation deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, struck a deal today to annex parts of the West Bank as part of their bid to form a unity government. Palestine
Intel: Joe Biden uses coronavirus crisis to push for Iran sanctions relief Former Vice President Joe Biden, the overwhelming favorite to become the Democratic presidential nominee, came out in favor of humanitarian sanctions relief for Iran to help the embattled country cope with the coronavirus pandemic. United States
After Trump tweet, Iran warns US about action in Iraq Iranian generals have warned the United States that they will respond if the United States takes action against Iran in Iraq. Iraq
Saudis risk losing last Republican defenders with oil price war The oil price war places the Saudis at risk of losing their previously stalwart defenders on Capitol Hill, the last line of defense against legislation targeting the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Are Netanyahu, Bennett preparing Jordan Valley annexation? Blue and White leader Benny Gantz must beware of right-wing ministers such as Defense Minister Naftali Bennett trying to establish facts on the ground before the unity government is established. Palestine
How will the COVID-19 crisis impact US-Iran tensions? If Iran can hold out long enough against COVID-19, Tehran and Washington might be able to come to terms. United States
