Iraq’s Zaidi doubles down on militia disarmament, boosting oil exports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the comments amid Hormuz-related export struggles and a nearing deadline for armed groups to disarm. Iraq
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Houthis claim new strikes on Saudi Arabia after IRGC warning: What to know A senior Iranian commander said Saudi Arabia will be unable to the defeat the Yemeni group as the conflict intensifies. Yemen
Australia summons Israeli ambassador over World Central Kitchen strike: What to know Australia has summoned Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman after the Israeli military decided not to open a criminal investigation into the killing of one Australian and six other World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza in 2024. Israel
Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
What we know about Israeli strikes on Syrian air base tied to Turkey By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis Netanyahu yields to Trump on Gaza, betting Hamas won’t disarm By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pentagon: Al-Qaeda remnants seek influence in Syria’s new government Hurras al-Din announced its dissolution in January, but US intelligence believes its adherents may still seek influence via Syria’s new government, which is led by their former jihadist rival and ex-HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syria
East Jerusalem father, son arrested over Israel attack plot: What to know Three east Jerusalem residents arrested in are suspected of fabricating dozens of explosive devices and plotting to commit several attacks against Israelis. Israel
Iran border clash kills 3 militants, police officer in Baluchistan: What to know Iranian forces have prioritized targeting Jaish al-Adl and other groups in the southeast, and are seeking cooperation with Pakistan on the issue. Iran
Iran security chief visits Iraq, Lebanon as Baghdad weighs pro-Iran militia law Ali Larijani, who was recently appointed to head Iran’s top security body, has embarked on visits to Iraq and Lebanon as Baghdad faces US pressure to contain Iranian-backed groups. Iran
Interview Israel’s former Germany envoy: Arms embargo 'warning sign' of growing isolation Berlin’s embargo over the Gaza City offensive signals a rare fracture in one of Israel’s closest strategic partnerships, former Israeli Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff says. Jeremy Issacharoff Former Israeli ambassador to Germany
Analysis Israel's Vietnam: As Netanyahu pushes Gaza City takeover, military warns of endless war The plan to extend Israeli control beyond the 75% of Gaza it now holds ignores warnings by military chief Eyal Zamir and the public's desire to end the war. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel's security cabinet approves takeover of Gaza City Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to launch an operation to overtake Gaza City despite objections by the Israeli military and warnings by families of hostages such a move would get their loved ones killed. Israel
Lebanon cabinet backs Hezbollah disarmament as US urges year-end deadline Lebanon’s cabinet approved Thursday the goals outlined in a US proposal on the complete disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for the end of Israeli attacks on the country. Lebanon
Sudan PM visits Egypt as Khartoum claims downing UAE plane: What to know Just a day before the visit, Sudan’s military said it shot down an Emirati plane carrying Colombian mercenaries for the RSF, prompting outrage from Colombia. Sudan
Syrian forces dismantle ISIS cell near Turkish border: What to know Syria says it has thwarted a number of ISIS plots in 2025 as the group seeks to exploit sectarian tensions in the country. Syria
Israel's Netanyahu, army chief face off over possible Gaza City offensive Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir opposes plans to take control of Gaza City, where some 800,000 Palestinians reside. Israel
Lebanon tasks army with plan to control weapons as Hezbollah rejects disarmament Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the session, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the army must draft its plan and present it before the government for review before Aug. 31. Lebanon
