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Politics & Security

Fighters supporting the Aden-based, internationally recognized Yemeni government gather during a vigil along the Red Sea shore in Khokha, in Yemen's western Hodeidah province, on July 20, 2026.

Analysis

How Saudi Arabia seeks to contain Yemen's Houthis without provoking Iran

Riyadh is balancing pressure on the Houthis with efforts to keep Iran from widening the conflict, as attacks threaten Saudi energy exports through the Red Sea.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

El Alamein International Airshow

Turkey’s defense giants court Egypt at Alamein Airshow: What to know

Three leading Turkish defense companies are participating in the El Alamein Airshow as Ankara seeks new sales and closer military-industrial cooperation with Egypt.

Chaim Goldberg / AFP via Getty Images

Netanyahu threatens to sue Haaretz for reporting UAE warned Israel of Oct. 7 attack

The Emirati president reportedly warned that a planned attack could cause bloodshed, destabilize the region and threaten the Abraham Accords.

Two women stand before graffiti on the cemetery wall for victims of the chemical massacre, on Aug. 21, 2025 in Zamalka, Syria.

UN watchdog formally ends probe into Assad-era nuclear sites

The vote follows last month's visit by international inspectors to two suspected former nuclear sites in Syria.

Latest News

Iran's IRGC set to declare new ‘sanctions zone’ beyond Hormuz: What to know

Elke Scholiers/Getty Images

Majority of Palestinians lose trust in Hamas and Fatah, new poll finds

Palestinians hold up the green Hamas flag during a protest by supporters of both the Fatah and Hamas movements, as they rally in support of the Palestinian people following Friday noon prayers in Hebron, occupied West Bank, Nov. 3, 2023.

US strikes Iranian tankers after attempted attack on Navy ship

Vessels transit the Hormuz Strait off the coast of Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas on September 7, 2026. Iran's top negotiator threatened on September 6 of a more forceful response to any further US attacks after Tehran targeted American warships in their latest round of clashes. The exchanges of fire, which began with US raids last week, come amid a deadlock in the six-month war between the two foes. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images) /

Analysis

What Houthi setbacks in Yemen mean for Iran's regional influence

Forces loyal to Yemen's Saudi-backed government

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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

Zelenskyy Netanyahu

Mossad chief attends Netanyahu meeting with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after his first meeting since Russia’s invasion with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy that Israel will help Ukraine deal with anti-personnel mines, but said nothing about missile defense.

A security guard is seen at the Iran-Iraq border crossing of Haji Omran on Jan. 3, 2018.

Iran demands Iraq disarm Kurdish opposition as deadline expires

An agreement between Tehran and Baghdad stipulated that Iraqi authorities would disarm and relocate the Kurdish opposition groups along the Iranian border.

Siamak Namazi

'The nightmare is over' as Americans freed from Iran reunite with families

Seven Americans released from Iran as part of a prisoner swap held tearful reunions with family members early Tuesday.

Bashar Al Assad

Syria’s Assad to visit China in first trip since 2004

The Syrian President and first lady will travel to China on the official invitation of President Xi Jinping, marking Beijing's increasing influence in the Middle East.

Red Sands

Pentagon expands counter-drone exercise with Saudi Arabia, eyeing Iran threat

US and Saudi forces teamed up to shoot down simulated complex drone attacks in the Saudi desert last week as Pentagon officials warn Iran is likely learning from Russia's use of one-way attack drones in Ukraine.

HUSSAM AHMED/AFP via Getty Images

In Libya, protesters hold Derna authorities responsible for deadly flood

Derna residents are blaming authorities for the massive torrent that devastated the city after two dams collapsed during a storm last week.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends breakfast with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on September 18, 2023 in New York.

Blinken defends Iran prisoner swap at meeting with Gulf counterparts

The US secretary of state also touted the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, seen as competition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, ahead of the discussion with Gulf Cooperation Council member states.

Avi Ohaion/GPO

Hundreds protest as Netanyahu meets Elon Musk in San Francisco

Protests greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in California and many more are planned for New York City.

RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images

Kurdish forces kill 14 pro-Turkey fighters in north Syria attack

The attack comes amid infighting between rebel factions loyal to Ankara in north Syria.

DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images

From Iran to Israel, 5 Middle East stories to watch at UNGA summit

The US agenda includes a long-sought meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Released American citizens landed in Qatar today.

Iran frees 5 Americans in prisoner swap with US

A US-bound flight carrying a group of American detainees including Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz and Emad Shargi left Iran on Monday.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi delivers remarks at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at U.N. headquarters on Sept. 21, 2022 in New York City.

Analysis

Will US-Iran prisoner exchange jumpstart diplomacy at UNGA?

Iran rejects IAEA inspectors; One year after the death of Mahsa Amini; Al-Monitor/Semafor "Middle East Global Summit" features King Abdullah of Jordan and Prime Minister Sudani of Iraq.

Week in Review

Andrew Parasiliti

By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti