Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know Abu Jihad al-Muhajir is the highest-profile alleged Islamic State official captured by Syrian government forces since US troops withdrew from the country in April. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Jordan's King Abdullah heads to China in first visit since 2015: What to know Ahead of the visit, King Abdullah said that Jordan hopes to expand cooperation with China in green energy, tourism and aviation. Jordan
US general meets Lebanon’s army chief as ceasefire with Israel teeters Control over a strategic ridge overlooking Nabatieh is emerging as a flashpoint between the Israeli military and Lebanon ahead of the next expected round of negotiations in September. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer Three ways China benefits from Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact: What to know The pact points to a more multipolar Middle Eastern security order, one in which Washington is no longer the unquestioned center of Gulf security. China
Analysis Fidan heads to Egypt amid questions over Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan pact By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis As US rethinks regional presence, Israel shifts focus to destabilizing Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israeli foreign minister meets Egyptian president in Cairo Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in another sign of strengthening bilateral ties. Israel
Iraq announces end to US-led combat role with no fanfare The defeat-IS coalition will continue its advisory mission into next year, despite a declared end to a combat role. Iraq
Senate fails to block missile sale to Saudi Arabia The Biden administration has said the AIM-120C missiles are to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against hostile drone attacks from Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Yemen measure stripped from US defense bill as Saudis up bombing Rep. Ro Khanna's amendment would have barred US maintenance support and weapons sales that contribute to Saudi-led offensive strikes in Yemen. Legacy: Gulf
Israel’s Bennett talks up trilateral security alliance with Greece, Cyprus In a joint press conference with counterparts from Greece and Cyprus, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett pledged to continue and reinforce the trilateral cooperation between the three allies. Israel
UAE says French fighter jets no substitute for US F-35 The head of the UAE's air force sought to clarify comments by France's President Emmanuel Macron last week. United Arab Emirates
UAE signs $19 billion fighter jet deal with France The sale of Dassault Rafale jets and Caracal helicopters marks Paris' largest foreign military sale to date. United Arab Emirates
As Vienna talks continue, Israel prepares for possible war against Iran, Hezbollah Working in all directions against a nuclearized Iran, the Israeli air force prepares itself for different scenarios. Israel
Pentagon review may mean closer oversight of CENTCOM requests The Pentagon's anticipated posture review remains largely classified, but it may help prevent shows of force in the Middle East which some have seen as excessive. United States
Israel approves $2.4 billion purchase of US CH-53 helicopters Israel is seeking to replace its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters over the next few years. Israel
Gantz says Israel, Morocco ‘leap together’ in historic agreement Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed this week in Rabat a landmark cooperation agreement with Morocco — the first such agreement signed by Israel with an Arab state. Israel
