Politics & Security - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

politics and security cover image

Politics & Security

A partial view shows a drainage vacuum hole on the lake of Qaraoun in Lebanon's southern Beqaa Valley on April 5, 2019.

Israel strikes near Lebanon’s Qaraoun dam as war intensifies: What to know

The strikes near the large water reservoir follow pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to up attacks on Hezbollah in response to rocket fire and a rising death toll in Lebanon.

Motorists drive their vehicles and pedestrians cross the street past a political billboard featuring President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz along Valiasr Square in Tehran on May 26, 2026.

US-Iran deal could take ‘a few days’ as roadblocks emerge, nuclear talks deferred

Mediators are scrambling to secure a deal that would end the war, while leaving unresolved the thorniest issues that predated it.

A view shows a Lebanese flag positioned among shattered concrete and twisted rebar, remnants of a destroyed building, in Sidon, Lebanon, on May 3, 2026.

US gave Israel 'tacit agreement' to target senior Hezbollah figures

While there is no explicit agreement, sources say Washington has offered quiet approval despite a ceasefire reached April 16.

A man checks old banknotes in the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on March 3, 2025.

Analysis

Cash as leverage: How Iran's push for frozen billions is reshaping diplomacy

The frozen assets debate is a test of whether the postwar diplomatic track can move toward a durable framework — or whether financial mistrust will evolve into yet another breaking point.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Iran’s Pezeshkian calls Iraqi leaders as Khamenei praises militias: What to know

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian listens during a joint press conference alongside Armenia's prime minister in Yerevan on Aug. 19, 2025.

US-Iran tit-for-tat strikes over Hormuz expose risks of prolonged standoff

A woman walks past an anti-US and anti-Israel mural depicting missiles hitting an aircraft carrier in Tehran on May 26, 2026.

Jared Szuba

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

Iran partially restores internet after 88-day blackout: What to know

An Iranian woman walks past a mobile phone shop at the Valiasr Square in Tehran on April 19, 2026.

Turkey: Thousands defy police to rally for ousted CHP leader Ozel

Turkish riot police use water cannon to disperse protesters during a rally called by ousted opposition leader Ozgur Ozel, days after a court dismissed him from office, in Izmir on May 26, 2026.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett chairs the weekly Cabinet meeting at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, Feb. 20, 2022.

IRGC colonel's assassination highlights Israel's shift in tactics against Iran

After the killing of IRGC colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, reports claim that Israel has multiplied its efforts against Iranian entrenchment in Syria and Lebanon, against Hezbollah's precision missile project and against terrorism by Iranian agents.

KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey inches closer to Egypt

The Turkish finance minister is planning a visit to Egypt next month in the latest step toward rapprochement between the two countries.

The portrait of Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is seen on a street vendors cart in Egypt's landmark Tahrir Square on July 4, 2013.

Egypt's National Dialogue unlikely to include Muslim Brotherhood

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for a political dialogue with his opponents, but many wonder if the Muslim Brotherhood will be invited to attend.

Fans wave US and Iranian flags during the World Cup 2006.

Will the FIFA World Cup help bridge Iran-US gaps?

The US men's national soccer team is in the most politically charged group along with Iran and possibly Ukraine, among other teams.

The Correctional and Rehabilitation Center in Badr city is seen during a government-guided tour for the media, east of Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 16, 2022.

Hunger strikes by prisoners continue in Egypt

A number of political activists in Egyptian prisons have been on a hunger strike for several days to protest their denial of basic rights, at a time the president has called for a national dialogue with opponents.

Egypt's Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdi Sanad Loza (background) meets with his Turkish counterpart Sedat Onal (Foreground).

Turkey's foreign policy reset sign of Brotherhood's dwindling influence

In addition to economic concerns, the Muslim Brotherhood's dwindling influence in the region and new regional order emerged after the Abraham Accords forced Ankara to mend ties with Egypt.

The World Health Organization reported cases of monkeypox in Europe, the United States and Australia in May.

Monkeypox detected in Israel, Lebanon denies rumors of cases

Most Middle Eastern states are reporting no cases of the virus.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

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

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan (2R).

Turkey threatens new Syria incursion amid NATO debate

Erdogan ups the ante as NATO allies offer cool response to Ankara’s demands over Sweden, Finland membership.

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Will Turkish opposition leader's Alevi faith be hindrance at polls?

While some speculate Kemal Kilicdaroglu's faith could cost him votes in a potential runoff against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, if framed properly it could even provide an opportunity for the opposition.

AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli lawmaker retracts decision to quit coalition

After meeting with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Regional Development Minister Esawi Frej and others, Knesset member Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi has decided not to quit the coalition after all.

Biden

Analysis

OPINION: Five post-Ukraine Mideast realities Biden's team must consider

The seismic impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine requires Washington to reconsider its role not just in Europe, but in the Middle East as well.

James F. Jeffrey

By James F. Jeffrey

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Ethiopia courts two downstream countries before third filling of Nile dam

Ethiopia announced that it intends to find an amicable solution with Egypt and Sudan to the outstanding issues related to the Nile River dam, in the lead up to the third filling process of the dam’s reservoir, which is expected to cause an escalation between the three countries.