Jordan’s King Abdullah calls church shooting ‘terror attack,’ at least 7 killed: What to know Jordan has experienced sporadic violence targeting the Christian community, though attacks of this kind are relatively rare in the kingdom. Jordan
How Israel’s election could shape next phase of Iran war Most of the Israeli prime minister's main rivals in the Oct. 27 election agree that Israel's war to overthrow the Iranian regime should continue, but only he claims to have President Donald Trump's blessing to do so. Israel
France’s Macron first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Houthi escalation French President Emmanuel Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says The US envoy said that direct US military intervention on the ground against the Houthis would be "fruitless." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hormuz attacks spike after US airstrike on Iran-linked tanker By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US Iron Dome funding holdup feeds internal Israeli political dispute Rivals of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett are using US delay in funding the Iron Dome defense system to present him as dangerously inexperienced. Israel
Iran’s membership in Asian security body won’t solve sanctions problem While the news that Iran will gain full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a psychological victory for the sanctions-hit country, it will take much more to achieve lasting economic impact. Iran
House removes funding for Israel’s Iron Dome from spending bill The head of the House Appropriations Committee said Israel will receive additional funding in a separate defense bill as the deadline to the end of the fiscal year nears. News Brief
Saudi military trains with Greek forces Saudi Arabia and Greece signed a missile deal earlier this year and are both allies of the UAE and Egypt. News Brief
UAE weighs opportunities, risks in Afghan diplomatic scrum The US withdrawal and return of the Taliban has shaken up relationships in the Gulf and South Asia. Legacy: Gulf
Iran says SCO membership to end isolation Iran is hoping to expand its economic ties after it enters the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Iran
Confidence-building measures with Israel trigger mixed reactions among PA leaders Palestinian leaders exhibit varying reactions toward the confidence-building measures with Israel. Palestine
Turkey’s defense industry suffers setback but future remains promising The Turkish defense industry saw a significant decline in its revenues last year according to newly released data, but companies in the sector remain optimistic about their growth prospects. Turkey
Protesters accuse IDF of tying soldiers' hands after deadly clash In the wake of the death of IDF soldier Barel Hadaria Shmueli, hundreds of Israeli service members have been demanding the rules for live fire engagement be loosened. Israel
Netanyahu goes after Bennett, with IDF paying the price In his zeal to attack Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu and associates are even ready to tarnish the IDF and its commanders. Israel
Israel asks Egypt to pressure Hamas to end border violence In a meeting yesterday between senior Israeli and Egyptian defense officials, Israel asked Egypt to pressure Hamas to stop the ongoing nightly demonstrations by the Gaza border. Israel
What Erdogan missed in skipping Baghdad conference The Turkish president’s absence from the regional summit in Baghdad underscores the urgent need for Turkey to mend fences with Iraq and rethink the cost of its confrontational policies in the region. Turkey