Defense/Security cooperation

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

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.

Israeli troops stand guard on the dividing line between the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and Syrian, near Majdal Shams, July 16, 2025.

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.

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

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Oct. 14, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Iraq’s Zaidi, Saudi crown prince discuss security as Houthi attacks escalate

Iraq has moved to improve ties with Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed militias struck the kingdom and amid the conflict with the Houthis in Yemen.

A cargo ship is pictured off coast of the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, along the Gulf of Oman, on June 28, 2026, after Iran's top diplomat warned that any attempt by shipping to bypass its preferred route through the Strait of Hormuz would "increase tensions" in the Middle East.

Hormuz attacks spike after US airstrike on Iran-linked tanker

Six commercial vessels were hit in just one day in the Strait of Hormuz after an American fighter jet disabled an Iran-linked tanker that military officials accused of attempting to run the US naval blockade.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Latest News

Exclusive

In bid to win over Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu may strike Yemen before elections

A giant electoral poster for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party with the slogan "no surrender" is displayed on the facade of a building in Tel Aviv on Sept. 29, 2026

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

Analysis

Why Saudi-Pakistan defense pact remains key as Mecca alliance takes shape

Pakistani soldiers (R) patrol on a street next to welcoming posters of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Islamabad on Feb. 17, 2019.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Analysis

Deal or war? Israel fears fallout from Trump’s next move on Iran

GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA - OCTOBER 05: U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up an appearance at a campaign rally at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on October 05, 2026 in Grand Island, Nebraska. Trump is campaigning for incumbent U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Gov. Jim Pillen ahead of the November midterm elections. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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

Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian hold a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, on Sept. 1, 2026.

A Lebanese soldier walks past an American flag flying next to US made Bradley Fighting Vehicles at the port of Beirut on August 14, 2017. (Photo credit should read PATRICK BAZ/AFP via Getty Images)

US to provide $72 million in salaries for Lebanon’s cash-strapped army, police

Washington's support for Lebanese military staff comes nearly two years after country's top general warned of desertions and his troops' inability to afford food.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

US army officers stands in front a US Patriot missile defence system during a joint Israeli-US military exercise "Juniper Cobra" at the Hatzor Airforce Base on March 8, 2018.

US, Israel kick off largest ever military exercise as Iran nuclear talks falter

As Iran turns to Russia for advanced fighter jets, the race is on to ensure the United States can actually stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon — and to dissuade the new Israeli government from acting unilaterally.

Indian Air Force (IAF) Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet takes part in an air refueling exercise from a French Air and Space Force (FASF). Russia is reportedly mulling sale of Sukhoi fighter jets to Iran. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran leans on Russia, hopes for Sukhoi sale as EU pressure mounts

Tehran is increasingly boosting its military ties with Moscow, hoping for Sukhoi sale, amid dim prospects for the revival of the nuclear deal and a wave of fresh sanctions over its crackdown on dissent at home.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Jerusalem, Jan. 19, 2023.

Iran, expanding Abraham Accords top Netanyahu's meeting with Jake Sullivan

Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, in a bid to coordinate positions on Iran and prepare for a trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

An undated image of Ronen Levy.

Analysis

Who is Ronen Levy, Shin Bet’s shadow man and Israel’s new foreign ministry chief?

Ronen Levy, previously known only as "Maoz," is emerging from his career as a shadowing intelligence figure and conduit to Arab leaders, to become director general of Israel's Foreign Ministry.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Yoon Suk-yeol

South Korea-UAE visit showcases alignment on arms, energy deals

A $30 billion pledge from the UAE to invest in South Korean industries was one outcome of the four-day visit

By Salim A. Essaid

MAYA ALLERUZZO/AFP via Getty Images

Israel's new army chief Herzi Halevi forced to navigate multiple bosses, far-right whims

Israel's incoming IDF Chief of Staff Hezri Halevi will have to deal with the fallout from the whims of a new government run by Israel’s most right-wing, regressive and ultra-nationalist forces.

F-16 jet

US working with Congress towards Turkey F-16 sale

Opposition to the sale of 40 new fighter jets remains entrenched in the Senate.

AL-MONITOR Staff

By AL-MONITOR Staff

Bayraktar drone

Turkey’s defense exports reach record levels in 2022, Erdogan says

Turkey’s president is touting the country's defense exports, which have reached a record high.

Lt. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Washington, Feb. 8, 2022.

Analysis

US top Middle East commander tests new model of deterring Iran

As the Pentagon shifts focus to China and Russia, CENTCOM’s chief is banking on experimentation with unmanned surveillance and artificial intelligence to offset a smaller US footprint in the Middle East.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

US Central Command Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla speaks at the 18th IISS Manama Dialogue, Manama, Bahrain, Nov. 19, 2022.

US working with Saudi Arabia on strategic military plans, general says

The Biden administration is leveraging the Pentagon to quietly rebuild trust with Riyadh in the wake of a very public dispute.

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett arrives to attend the first cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on July 3, 2022, days after lawmakers dissolved parliament.

Israeli leaders take credit for blocking Iran nuclear deal

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took credit for the current deadlock in talks between Iran and world powers.