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Politics & Security

Iraq

Breaking | Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 4:27 pm

International oil firms halt production in Iraq’s Kurdistan amid US-Iran escalation

The move follows the deaths of two US service members in an Iranian attack on Jordan.

People wave flags of Kurdistan during a march in Erbil, Iraq, on April 21, 2026, expressing support for the unity of Iranian Kurdish parties and condemning Iranian missile strikes and military actions against Kurdish groups in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Analysis

Why Iran's Kurdish front is becoming a growing wartime concern

A Friday Iranian strike on a Kurdish dissident base underscores Tehran's concern that its oldest internal security challenge has now become a wartime vulnerability.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Israeli police officers clash with ultra-Orthodox Jewish men during a protest against their conscription, Bnei Brak, Israel, July 16, 2024.

Analysis

How Netanyahu's bet on ultra-Orthodox exposes his vulnerability in Israel's upcoming election

The prime minister needs the support of the ultra-Orthodox, who reject mandatory conscription, if he is to have a chance at winning reelection and forming the next government.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Latest News

Yemen's Houthis raise Red Sea stakes for Trump

Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon in Sanaa on April 10, 2026.

Analysis

Trump's ‘180-degree reversal’ on Lebanon, Syria leaves Netanyahu with few options before elections

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a session of the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on July 16, 2026, before the start of the election recess ahead of the Oct. 27 general election.

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

Iran strike damages Kuwait power, desalination plant: What to know

The sun sets behind overhead power lines in Kuwait City, June 19, 2024.

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

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

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

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

KHALIL MAZRAAWI/afp/AFP via Getty Images

Jordan shoots down drone carrying drugs from Syria

The operation is the latest effort by Jordanian authorities to curb drug smuggling from neighboring Syria.

Russia Day in Jerusalem

Senior Israeli officials attended Russian ambassador's anti-West speech

At a Russia Day reception in Jerusalem, Russia's Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov delivered a speech defending his country's stance against Ukraine.

A screen capture of a video showing the boat fire off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, June 11, 2023.

3 British tourists killed in boat fire off Egypt’s Red Sea coast

The fire comes days after a Russian tourist was killed during a shark attack in the Red Sea, a popular destination for European tourists.

Turkey pride

'LGBTQ toilet' sparks fury in Turkey amid Pride week crackdown

Pride parades have been formally banned in major cities since 2014, and police violence to disperse and prevent Pride marches is sanctioned by the Interior Ministry.

Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Turkey's Erdogan runs soccer diplomacy with UAE, Libya at Champions League final

Turkey's president hosted Libya’s prime minister and the UAE president at the Champions League final in Istanbul.

After quitting over 'anti-Israel bias,' US to rejoin UNESCO to counter China

The United States is seeking readmission to UNESCO, the cultural heritage agency that former President Donald Trump quit over alleged anti-Israel bias.

Parliament Speaker Rachid Talbi Alami (R) shows Israel's Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana the parliament building in Rabat, Morocco, June 8, 2023.

Analysis

Will Israel recognize Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara?

Visiting Rabat officially for the first time, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering recognizing the kingdom’s sovereignty over the disputed region.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) attends a joint news conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 8, 2023.

Analysis

Blinken, Saudi FM back away from ‘zero sum’ approach to China

The US secretary of state advanced a reset in Saudi policy in his visit to the kingdom, as nuclear negotiations may define a new phase of energy and security ties.

Week in Review

Andrew Parasiliti

By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti

Iran drones

US: Iran drone factory in Russia could be operational next year

Iran has already been shipping drones via the Caspian Sea to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, White House says.

Presidents Nicolas Maduro and Ebrahim Raisi during their meeting in Tehran. June 11, 2022

Iran's president travels to Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela in anti-US blitz

The visit will take the Iranian president to three leftist countries with which Tehran shares both American sanctions and a vigorous anti-American agenda.

Kamala Harris

Analysis

Israel's far-right ministers dig deeper hole in Washington by attacking Harris

After provocations on the part of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Missions Orit Strook and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen was the one to clash this week with the Biden administration.

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

B-1B

Israel, Jordan, Saudi join US bombers in show of force to Iran

Two US Air Force B-1B bombers dropped munitions at target ranges in Jordan and Saudi Arabia before returning to Europe in the Pentagon's latest regional exercise aimed at deterring Iran.

Jared Szuba

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