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Politics & Security

Iraq's prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, at Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office on April 28, 2026.

Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know

President Donald Trump was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, who was seen as close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate put forward by Iraq’s leading Shiite bloc.

This photo obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim shows an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boat allegedly taking part in an operation to seize ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, on April 21, 2026.

Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies

As the Hormuz standoff intensifies, Trump must choose between military escalation, a limited diplomatic deal, or continuing a pressure campaign against Iran.

AFP via Getty Images

In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf

The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US.

Latest News

Turkey warns France over Cyprus troop deployment: What to know

Members of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), from the British Army's 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, No. 2 Company, patrol along the buffer zone separating the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the divided capital Nicosia on Feb. 17, 2026.

US blockade tests Iran's limits, but will global pain force Trump’s hand?

QESHM ISLAND, IRAN - APRIL 28: Boats navigate the sea on April 28, 2026 on Qeshm Island, Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's latest proposal for ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz calls on the United States to end its naval blockade of Iran's ports, and sets aside questions about what to do with Iran's nuclear program. The United States has not formally responded to the latest proposal, which was delivered by Iran's foreign minister to Pakistan two days ago. (Photo by Asghar Besharati/Getty Images

Iran-linked group claims stabbing in Jewish area in London: What to know

Local residents look on from outside a cordoned off area in the Golders Green neighborhood of north London on April 29, 2026, following the stabbing to two people nearby.

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

Demonstrators chant slogans as they march with a giant Palestinian flag.

Hamas condemns Turkey-Israel normalization

Hamas has condemned Turkish-Israeli normalization, which raises questions on its impact on the good Turkey-Hamas relations and the residency of some of its leaders in its territory.

Egypt summit

Egypt hosts five-state Arab summit

The recent summit hosted by Egypt between the leaders of five Arab countries may serve as a prelude to more joint action on security and economic development.

Nile River, Cairo

Egypt rethinks water strategy, starting with new irrigation minister

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has appointed a new irrigation minister with wide experience in water resources in the context of the Nile crisis.

AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Islamic Jihad looks to Hezbollah after disastrous Gaza war

Also: three dates to watch for in Iran nuclear talks.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty Images

Iran-linked attacks on US forces in Syria rekindle Iraq border concerns

Tit-for-tat attacks by US and Iran-linked forces in eastern Syria have raised regional tension levels and questions about Iraq’s control of its western border and an area long controlled by Kataib Hezbollah in the center of the country.

SAFIN HAMED/AFP via Getty Images

KRG responds to Baghad's threat of legal action over oil dispute

The federal Iraqi government argues that the autonomous region’s independent oil deals are unconstitutional.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz meets with US Central Command chief Gen. Michael Kurilla at the CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, Aug. 25, 2022.

Israel raises concerns over Iran probe as deal looms

The Biden administration told Israel that it won’t pressure the International Atomic Energy Agency to drop its investigation into Iran’s unexplained nuclear material.

John Onuoha/CNETCOM

Israel pours energy into media blitz against looming Iran nuclear deal

Israel’s political and security leadership is giving its all in a final media campaign against a renewed nuclear deal with Iran.

Agent A., a Mossad veteran who rose through the ranks of the predominantly male organization, now heads the Mossad’s Intelligence Directorate.

Israel’s Mossad chief promotes women at top

The appointment of two women to very senior positions within the Mossad sends a strong signal to the rest of Israel’s security system that things are changing.

A man stands outside the headquarters of the Supreme Judicial Council.

Iraqi PM warns security forces to stay out of political conflicts

The Iraqi judiciary resumed its work the day after powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his supporters to withdraw from the Supreme Judicial Council.

Turkish presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin.

Swedish, Finnish NATO bids face test as officials meet Turkey’s representatives

Lack of movement on extradition of “terrorist” suspects still poses threat to Nordic states joining alliance.

Iranian Army office/AFP via Getty Images

Iran shows off homemade drones in large-scale exercise

The drill was staged amid US intelligence reports that the Islamic Republic was planning to send Russia weapons-capable combat drones to be used in its war on Ukraine.