GCC to build military command center in Kuwait as region simmers: What to know GCC countries have stepped up their joint defense efforts with the announcement of a new forward command center to be headquartered in Kuwait, as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate. Saudi Arabia
Hegseth strikes defiant tone, calls House impeachment process 'farce' Pentagon's top official called Rep. Thomas Massie's charges a 'farce,' arguing other defense secretaries trespassed on the War Powers Act without being impeached. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer From Oct. 7 inquiry to blocking Netanyahu: Eisenkot's bloc maps out Knesset agenda Israel's opposition to advance anti-Netanyahu government measures as soon as Knesset convenes Tuesday, without waiting for a new cabinet to take shape. Israel
Slotkin, Van Hollen emerge as potential challengers to Schumer’s Senate leadership A growing number of Democrats are calling for new leadership in the Senate to replace Schumer, arguing that the party needs a leader who better reflects its generational and ideological shift to the left. United States
Netanyahu plays dangerous game as extremist bloc grows stronger Ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir, once shunned as a supporter of the outlawed Kahane movement, is increasingly popular among the Israeli right at the expense of opposition chief Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Support for Lion’s Den grows as Israel maintains siege on Nablus Israel continues its siege on the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank, leading to economic losses while threatening to launch a military operation there. Palestine
Iran 'directly engaged' in Russia’s war in Ukraine, White House says The Pentagon is actively consulting with allies to provide air defense systems to Ukraine to defend against Russia’s bombardments using Iranian drones. Russia / Mideast
Lawmaker suggests Iran recruited children for protest crackdown Pictures have emerged of juveniles in riot gear helping to crush Iran's anti-government protests. Iran
Turkey’s Central Bank ducks soaring inflation to cut rates again Despite the highest inflation in 24 years, Turkey’s Central Bank has made its third interest cut ahead of elections next June. Turkey
Israeli candidates treat violence in Arab towns as niche problem Instead of treating the rise of violence in Arab society as a national problem, Prime Minister Yair Lapid and opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu are only making Arab Israelis promises to remedy the situation. Israel
Iran sanctions BBC Persian The Islamic Republic has been lashing out at London-based Iranian news outlets for their coverage of the anti-government protests in Iran. Iran
Ukraine pressures Israel to supply weapons, cites Iranian threat With reports of Iran supplying Russia with attack drones, Israel is finding it increasingly difficult to reject Ukraine’s pleas for defensive weaponry. Israel
Syrian government retaliates for killing of soldiers by Islamic State The Syrian government and Russia accused the Islamic State of blowing up a troop bus of the Syrian army’s Fourth Division in its main headquarters near Damascus. Syria
Russian referendums strain Egypt-Ukraine ties Egypt denies sending observers to monitor the Russian referendums on illegally annexing four regions in Ukraine. Egypt
Analysis The Takeaway: Iranian drones in Ukraine send message to West Closer Iran-Russia ties are another thing to worry about; Israel won't send missile defenses to Ukraine; Lebanon-Israel agreement still needs details filled in; and why the region may need nuclear energy to meet climate goals. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
US military eyes counter-drone experimentation in Saudi Arabia US Central Command is moving ahead with plans to help enable shared air and missile defense across the Middle East. Legacy: Gulf