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Politics & Security

image of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran’s Khamenei appoints six military commanders: What to know

The appointments, which replace figures killed in the war, follow Khamenei naming a new leader of the Islamic Republic’s top security body.

A Syrian rebel fighter looks on as he stands at an inspection checkpoint for incoming vehicles before a Russian flag and Russian soldiers behind manning the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on Dec. 29, 2024.

New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know

Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers.

Mohsen Rezai

Explainer

Who is Iran’s Mohsen Rezaei, hard-line IRGC veteran appointed to top security post?

Mohsen Rezaei's appointment comes as Iran navigates a fragile halt in hostilities with the US and negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Latest News

Analysis

How Turkey is deepening energy and economic ties with Iraq as Iran weakens

a worker inspects an oil field in Iraq

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

As Lebanon-Israel talks drag on, can Beirut break Iran linkage?

Manon Roca / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

Beatrice Farhat

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Analysis

How Hormuz crisis is boosting IRGC and Iran’s security establishment

This aerial photograph shows boats anchored off Oman's northern Musandam Peninsula near the Strait of Hormuz on June 27, 2026.

Jamshid Jamshidi

By Jamshid Jamshidi

Analysis

As pro-Palestinian candidates gain ground, will AIPAC's influence wane?

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

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

This photograph taken on January 16, 2024 shows a view of the English Cemetery in the village of al-Zawaida in central Gaza Strip, amid oingoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

US-Israel gap widens amid fears Gaza war 'stuck,' Netanyahu dragging it out

The White House increasingly thinks that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not interested in ending the Gaza war soon for his own political reasons.

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

MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images

EU sanctions Hamas' Yahya Sinwar and Somalia's al-Shabab top leader

The European Union Council announced Tuesday it was taking restrictive financial measures against the Gaza-based group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar.

Israeli and Egyptian flags are seen at the Nitzana border crossing along the southern Israeli border with Egypt near the Israeli village of Nitzanei, Sinai Peninsula, Aug. 20, 2013.

Egypt-Israel border tensions simmer following drug smuggling incident

Armed clashes near the Egyptian-Israeli border coincide with reports of Israel’s plan to take over a buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza.

This picture taken from the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing over Gaza City following Israeli strikes on Jan. 1, 2024, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the militant Hamas group.

Live Updates: Attacks in Red Sea, Israel as Gaza death toll passes 24,000

Gaza City was hit with more airstrikes on Monday as Gaza authorities say the death toll has passed 24,000.

Two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) armed military personnel are monitoring an area while standing guard next to an Iranian Majid anti-aircraft missile system during the Ela Beit Al-Moghaddas (Al-Aqsa Mosque) military rally in Tehran, Iran.

Iran’s IRGC strikes 'spy centers' in Iraq with ballistic missiles

The IRGC also said it struck Syria in response to the recent ISIS attack in Iran.

soccer fans

Turkey deports Israeli soccer player as another faces investigation

Tensions between Turkey and Israel is spreading to Turkish soccer fields as Israeli players commemorate the 100th day in captivity of the hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Gaza 100 days: Mass Israeli rally demands Netanyahu bring hostages home

Marking 100 days since the attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, thousands of Israelis joined together to call on their government to do everything that it can to free the hostages still held in Gaza.

Smoke is seen billowing over Khan Yunis during Israeli bombardment, amid ongoing battles between Israel and Hamas, southern Gaza Strip, Jan. 15, 2024.

Gaza 100 days: humanitarian crisis worsens as death toll surpasses 24,000

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate with no hopes for a cease-fire any time soon.

Iraqi teachers and civil servants protest on Oct. 7, 2015 in Sulaimaniyah, in Iraq's Kurdistan region.

In Iraq's Kurdistan Region, teacher strikes highlight schooling crisis

The regional government is three months behind on paying its public servants, including teachers, as part of larger budget disagreements with Iraq’s federal government.

Sagiv Yekhezkel displays a message in support of Hamas-held hostages during a match in Turkey.

Turkey detains Israeli soccer player over Gaza war message during match

The player wrote a message referencing the "100 days" that Israel captives have been held by Hamas since their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

An Iranian woman holds a portrait of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei duringa demonstration against the Saudi-led coalitions Operation Decisive Storm against the Huthi rebels in Yemen, outside the Saudi embassy in Tehran on April 13, 2015. AFP PHOTO/ATTA KENARE (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Will Iran manage to dodge ripple effects of Red Sea tensions?

The Islamic Republic has condemned the Western coalition strikes targeting its favored Houthi rebels in Yemen, yet it appears to have no appetite for an escalation that could threaten its very survival.

Antalyaspor's Israeli forward Jehezkel displayed a bandage on the Gaza war after scoring a goal

Day 100 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Sunday, Jan. 14