Archives for May, 2026

Explainer

UAE nuclear plant strike clouds Gulf's atomic ambitions: What to know

The US-Israel-Iran war is complicating momentum in the Middle East for civilian nuclear power, which heading into 2026 had been growing in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and elsewhere.

United Arab Emirates

NATO considering resuming mission in Iraq: general

Agence France-Presse

France readies UN resolution on Hormuz as vote on US text stalls

Reuters

Iran's intensified closure of Strait of Hormuz piles misery on stranded sailors

Reuters

Swiss widen sanctions against Russia, Belarus in line with EU measures

Reuters

Analysis

Cheap drones, costly threats: Why Gulf states are looking to Turkey for defense deals

Iran’s drone and missile attacks have exposed gaps in Gulf and Iraqi air defenses, giving Turkey an opening for Turkish defense sales, but Ankara has a narrow window before South Korean and European competitors gain ground.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

UK defence show RIAT cancelled because of Iran war

Reuters

Ireland joins EU push to ban trade with Israeli settlements amid flotilla backlash

European frustration with Israel intensified this week after a far-right Israeli minister posted a video of the mistreatment of international activists detained in the country.

Israel

Factbox-Turkey court ruling adds to crackdown on main opposition CHP

Reuters

Western powers press Israel to rein in settlers, halt expansion

Reuters

Rubio cites some progress on Iran talks but "we're not there yet"

Reuters

Lebanon’s military hits back at US sanctions, says loyalty 'solely to the nation'

Lebanon’s army and General Security stressed that their members remain loyal state institutions, responding to US sanctions that for the first time targeted security officers for alleged ties to Hezbollah.

Lebanon

Live Updates

Iran talks see momentum as Pakistani officials visit Tehran

Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has reportedly departed for the Iranian capital, while Doha dispatched a diplomatic team.

Iran

Exclusive-Qatari negotiating team in Tehran to help secure US-Iran deal to end war, says source

Reuters

Freed Gaza flotilla activists allege Israeli abuse including rape

Reuters

Analysis

As Pakistan military chief holds Iran talks, Israel's Netanyahu fears being left out

US President Donald Trump's comment that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would do "whatever I want” is troubling the premier's inner circle ahead of the elections in October.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense