Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
US airstrikes target Iran's Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island American military forces launched their first strikes on the Iranian mainland in more than a month just days after the top US commander for the region said Iranian mines have been cleared from Hormuz shipping lanes. Iran
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis How Iran is readying for economic protests as Trump escalates pressure By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Pompeo’s visit to Psagot settlement, a farewell gift from Trump to Israel US Secretary of State Pompeo's visit to the Psagot settlement, built on occupied land in the West Bank, reflects the Donald Trump administration’s decision to consider the Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be legal. Palestine
Palestinians trying to dig themselves out of isolation It seems Palestinians are trying to get out of international and Arab isolation by taking a series of measures, including restoring ties with Israel and returning their ambassadors to the UAE and Bahrain, in anticipation of the Joe Biden administration’s arrival into office. Palestine
In last days of Trump administration, Pompeo showers gifts on Israel Visiting Israel before the end of the administration he serves, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's grandiose gestures and warm reception were clearly the last hurrah of a relationship with a time limit. Israel
Intel: Senators move to block US F-35, drone sale to UAE A bipartisan group of US senators say they received no reply from the Pentagon or State Department after inquiring last month about implications of the sale of advanced weaponry to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Pompeo says settlement products to be labeled 'Made in Israel' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also announced the United States would identify and label groups that support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement as "anti-Semitic." Israel
Even with Biden, talks with Palestinians not on Israel’s agenda Despite the election of Joe Biden, no one in Israel is keen to rush to the negotiating table with the Palestinians. Palestine
US unveils new round of Iran sanctions, Pompeo pledges more to come Targets in the latest round of sanctions include an Iranian charitable organization and Iran's intelligence minister. United States
Iran’s Zarif says Biden could lift Iran sanctions in no time Iran’s foreign minister expressed optimism about Joe Biden’s presidency, noting that Washington’s return to the Iran nuclear deal could take place without preconditions. United States
Pompeo skips Ankara, meets with Christian leader in final Turkey visit In his final visit to Turkey as US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo met with the Orthodox Christian spiritual leader in Istanbul Tuesday, forgoing meetings with state officials in a possible message to conservative American voters. Turkey
Trump's national security adviser says ending Gulf rift 'priority' Qatar has been under a land, sea and air blockade by four regional states since 2017. Qatar
With Trump on way out, Netanyahu nails together settlement legacy With US President-elect Joe Biden preparing to take office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rushing to set his settlement achievements in stone. Israel
Gulf oil exporters look past Biden’s green energy platform The possible return of Iranian crude to global markets is a short-term concern for Gulf oil producers, which expect to be the last man standing in a decarbonizing world. Saudi Arabia