France’s Macron first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Houthi escalation French President Emmanuel Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says The US envoy said that direct US military intervention on the ground against the Houthis would be "fruitless." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Turkey's defense industry set to hit $20B in new contracts in 2026 The expanding defense industry sector has also become a foreign-policy tool for Ankara, deepening military partnerships with countries including Saudi Arabia. Turkey
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hormuz attacks spike after US airstrike on Iran-linked tanker By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Exclusive In bid to win over Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu may strike Yemen before elections By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Why Saudi-Pakistan defense pact remains key as Mecca alliance takes shape By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Intel: US, UAE talk F-35 as Russia pitches stealth aircraft A top State Department official warned the Biden administration is "very serious" about imposing sanctions on partners that purchase Russian military hardware. Legacy: Gulf
Erdogan woos Armenia with regional cooperation proposal A transport corridor for Azerbaijan via Armenian territory — a plan that has stoked Turkey’s strategic ambitions in the region — remains on paper a year on, but that’s not the only obstacle to normalization between the three neighbors. Turkey
Intel: Russia displays new fighter jet at Dubai Airshow 2021 With the Su-75 Checkmate on display, Russia aims to remind the Emirates and other nations they have options when it comes to fifth-generation fighters. Russia / Mideast
Dubai Airshow 2021 kicks off with expectations of big deals The rise in attacks around the region in recent years using drones pushed the sales of UAV technologies in the Middle East to reach $1.5 billion over the last five years. Legacy: Gulf
Israel, Egypt to increase military presence along Egypt's Rafah border Egypt and Israel sign an agreement allowing increased military presence in Egypt's Rafah border area, a move that analysts say is a win-win for the two neighbors. Egypt
US Rep. Ilhan Omar moves to block $650 million Saudi arms sale If passed by the Senate, the joint resolution would block the sale of 280 air-to-air missiles to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Israel loses patience with Iranian entrenchment in Syria Israel has detected increased activity by Iran as it builds up its military presence in Syria. Israel
Saudi-led coalition pushes back on reports of troop withdrawals from Yemen The Gulf coalition's denial comes amid reports of Saudi troop withdrawals from al-Mahra governorate. Yemen
UAE, Israel, Bahrain, US conduct joint naval exercise in Red Sea Fighter jets from Saudi Arabia and Israel flew alongside a US B-1 bomber over the region today in a separate exercise of force. Legacy: Gulf
Israel’s Bennett hopes to outdo Netanyahu in relations with India Stepping into the shoes of Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett makes efforts at strengthening the bilateral economic ties and the security alliance Israel has forged with India. Israel
UAE foreign minister visits Cyprus The UAE has grown closer to Cyprus on energy and defense issues. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Israel agrees to more Egyptian troops in Sinai Israel has agreed for Egypt to reinforce its military presence in the Sinai Peninsula. Israel
