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Politics & Security

Tump

Can Trump turn midterm defeat into Iran breakthrough?

Although Iran may have contributed to Republican losses in midterms, the Trump administration still has a historic opportunity in the Middle East.

Manon Roca / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

Lebanon files charges against 2 Hezbollah members as UNIFIL prepares to withdraw

The move comes amid growing security concerns in the south less than two months before the UNIFIL mandate expires.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses Turkish members of parliament during the opening of the parliamentary session at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in Ankara, on Oct. 1, 2026.

Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia

Turkey will now decide the scope of military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom.

Tomer Neuberg / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

Explainer

Arab parties' backing gives Eisenkot edge over Netanyahu for PM: What to know

With 67 Knesset members backing his candidacy, Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot could win the mandate to form the next government.

Latest News

Massie renews Hegseth impeachment push as GOP blames Iran war for midterm losses

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testifies during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, on July 21, 2026, in Washington.

Jared Szuba

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

Can Erdogan’s Baku visit fix Turkey-Azerbaijan rift?

TOFIK BABAYEV/AFP via Getty Images

Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports

Russian Mil Mi-8 military helicopters fly over a joint Russian and Turkish convoy, northeastern Hasakeh province, Syria, Feb. 4, 2021.

Turkey says soldier killed by gunfire from Iran at border: What to know

A sign marking the border of Turkey in Van, Turkey, on March 14, 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

Supporters light up the night with cellphones during a protest rally in support of the arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul, Turkey, April 9, 2025.

Turkey detains 2 prominent journalists amid growing crackdown

The detention follows a wave of arrests and protests sparked by the March 19 arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

An Israeli military tank moves to a position during a drill in the annexed Golan Heights on November 9, 2023, amid increasing cross-border tensions between Hezbollah and Israel as fighting continues in the south with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP) (Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images)

Fidan says Turkey-Israel deconfliction talks over Syria underway: What to know

As the two countries have initiated deconfliction talks, Israel sets a red line on military deployments near Palmyra.

Palestinians gather for a communal iftar.

Israel expands Gaza buffer zone to 20% as humanitarian situation deteriorates

Israel’s expanded buffer zone will cut off Gaza from Egypt and further partition the Strip, as the humanitarian crisis in the territory deepens.

Bushehr

US imposes new Iran sanctions ahead of Oman talks as Tehran touts nuclear gains

Iranian officials met their Russian and Chinese counterparts on Tuesday to discuss the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program as Tehran prepares for negotiations with Washington.

Iran

Analysis

Economic pressure, B-2 bombers and isolation: How Iran accepted talks with Trump

Under severe economic strains and growing military threats from the United States, Iran agreed to negotiate its nuclear program, but the talks' potential outcomes remain shrouded by deep uncertainties.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Elbridge Colby, President Donald Trump's nominee to be undersecretary of defense for policy.

Senate confirms Elbridge Colby as Pentagon’s next policy chief

The vote marks a win for skeptics within the GOP of liberal deployment of US military power.

A woman walks along Karim Khan Zand Avenue in Tehran, on April 8, 2025.

From 2008 to today: Expectations and timeline of US-Iran talks

The upcoming talks will be the most significant since negotiations broke down in 2022 and come in the wake of President Donald Trump threatening to bomb Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear program.

AMER HILABI/AFP via Getty Images

Iran, US to hold high-stakes talks in Oman Saturday: What to know

Iran appeared to confirm Trump’s earlier announcement about nuclear talks due this Saturday, but stressed that they would be indirect.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 07: U.S. President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the White House on April 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump is meeting with Netanyahu to discuss ongoing efforts to release Israeli hostages from Gaza and newly imposed U.S. tariffs. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Analysis

Netanyahu unsettled by Trump-Iran talks but Israel maintains military option

Despite President Donald Trump’s announcement of direct talks with Iran, sources describe the chances of a deal as "slim" and predict a tense summer ahead.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber flies over the 133rd Rose Parade Presented By Honda on Jan. 1, 2022 in Pasadena, California.

Pentagon vows to ramp up Houthi strikes as Trump pursues Iran talks

US stealth B-2 bombers began striking Houthi facilities in Yemen last week as the Trump administration hastens to pressure Iran into coming to the negotiating table before Israel's military can take matters into its own hands.

London Gaza protest

UK lawyers accuse 10 nationals of war crimes in Gaza: What to know

A legal team has submitted a 240-page report accusing 10 British nationals of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, while two parliamentarians were denied entry to Israel amid growing tensions over international accountability.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a "Make America Wealthy Again" trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Trump says US, Iran in 'direct talks' over nuclear program

President Donald Trump said the two sides will hold a "very big meeting" on Saturday.