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
Saudi Arabia, UAE hold weekslong military exercise The joint defense exercises are expected to last three weeks. Legacy: Gulf
Israel to export border surveillance technology to Cyprus Israel’s military has extensive experience with border security surveillance in the West Bank. Israel
Israel drills for possible war with Hezbollah Despite Lebanon's economic crisis and Hezbollah being unlikely to launch a war amid such a dire situation, defense analysts warn that war is still possible. Israel
US approves sale of air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia The Biden administration says the weapons are key to Saudi Arabia's self-defense from Iran-backed drone attacks out of Yemen. Iran
Israel floats trial for new balloon-based drone, missile-detecting radar The early-detection balloon and radar are the latest in Israel's rapidly growing arsenal of missile defense systems. Israel
Intel: US sees role for Sudan’s military in government if coup reversed The Biden administration is relying on economic pressure to push Gen. Burhan to reinstate deposed civilian leaders. Sudan
US flies B-1 bomber over Middle East amid tensions with Iran The Pentagon is renewing show-of-strength flights over the Persian Gulf as the US waits for talks over Iran's nuclear program to resume. United States
Intel: Pentagon holds 'productive' talks with Turkey over F-35 dispute All eyes are on next week's Glasgow summit as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to talk F-35s and F-16s with US President Joe Biden. Turkey
Ukraine uses Turkish drone for first time against pro-Russian forces Turkey's ties with Ukraine have complicated relations with Russia. News Brief
With F-16 deal in limbo, Erdogan-Biden meeting postponed to Glasgow Following a diplomatic row this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters Tuesday he would seek to confirm a divisive F-16 deal with US counterpart Joe Biden at the COP26 conference in Glasgow. Turkey
Israel's room to maneuver in Syrian skies faces new constraints Recent geopolitical changes in the region are reducing Israel’s ability to act against the Iranian presence in Syria. Israel
Israel, UAE send signal to Iran during Israeli air force drill For the first time ever, the commander of the Emirati air force openly observes the international Blue Flag military drill taking place this week in Israel. Israel
