US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Why US, Israel are freezing France out of Lebanon talks With talks between Israel and Lebanon being held in Washington, Paris still insists that it must be involved to balance possible American bias and to protect Beirut’s interests. Israel
Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey awash with schadenfreude over Capitol takeover A large number of Turks feel deep animosity toward the United States, and as sense of just desserts prevails as the world reels from yesterday's rioting in the Capitol. Turkey
Middle East allies, adversaries condemn 'disgrace' at US Capitol Leaders across the region responded with alarm to the violence that unfolded at the US Capitol. United States
Intel: Biden to pick Brett McGurk for top White House Middle East role Picking the former defeat-ISIS envoy to oversee US Middle East policy sends a strong signal to Turkey. Turkey
Sudan joins Abraham Accords to recognize Israel The United States will help cover Sudan's more than $1 billion in arrears to the World Bank in exchange. Israel
Air traffic controllers in New York receive 9/11-like threat to US Capitol over Soleimani killing A digitized voice warned via radio that an airplane would hit the US Capitol on Wednesday. Congress
Hillary Clinton says Trump playing 'dangerous game' with Iran The former secretary of state's warning follows other criticism of a Trump administration show of military force to dissuade Iran from potential attacks. United States
US announces sanctions on Iran metals industry The latest of several recent sanctions from the Trump administration includes designations of companies based in the United Kingdom, Germany and China. United States
Israel in bind over Iran resuming uranium enrichment With the Iranians now resuming uranium enrichment, Jerusalem prepares itself for the Biden administration resuming nuclear talks with Tehran. Israel
Iran ramps up uranium enrichment, seizes tanker Amid a financial dispute with South Korea, Iran has seized a South Korean-flagged tanker in the Persian Gulf, while on the same day announcing the resumption of enriching uranium to 20%. United States
Israel hoping for last-minute F-35s from Trump administration Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said additional F-15 purchases may follow the procurement of a third F-35 squadron. Israel
In reversal, Pentagon orders aircraft carrier to remain in Middle East to deter Iran The acting US defense secretary cited Iranian leaders' threats against President Donald Trump and other US officials in the order for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East. United States
US again sends B-52 bombers to deter Iran as tensions peak The deployment is the third flight of nuclear-capable Stratofortresses to the region in less than two months Israel