Lebanon PM in Jordan as Beirut pushes Hezbollah disarmament, Iran’s influence wanes

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam headed to Jordan following a similar visit by President Joseph Aoun two months ago, as the two countries seek deeper ties.

Lebanon

Analysis

In accepting Gaza truce proposal, is Hamas setting 'trap' for boxed-in Netanyahu?

Is Hamas really hoping that Israel rejects a deal and goes ahead with the Gaza City offensive, resulting in its further international isolation?

By Ben Caspit

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

Turkey, Japan defense chiefs meet as China concerns push Tokyo toward drones

The Japanese defense chief’s visit focuses on defense industry cooperation, including a potential drone deal amid Tokyo's growing concerns over China’s naval activity.

Turkey

Jordan to resume conscription in 2026, call up 6,000 men: What to know

In 2026, 6,000 men born in 2007 will be drafted for a three-month training program.

Jordan

Iraq begins exhuming ISIS mass grave at Al-Khasfa thought to hold 3,000+ victims

In 2024, Human Rights Watch said that hundreds of thousands of victims remain buried in mass graves across Iraq, including those killed under former President Saddam Hussein.

Iraq

Iran’s Pezeshkian seeks assurances in Armenia as Yerevan, Baku nominate Trump for Nobel

Tehran is concerned that the new Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor, announced in an agreement brokered by Washington earlier this month, threatens its access to regional trade routes and could invite a foreign military presence.

Iran

Pentagon steers clear of new Israel-Houthi escalation: What to know

The US military has sought to avoid actions that could threaten its fragile truce with the Iran-armed rebels.

United States

Turkish warship in Tripoli as Ankara courts Libya’s rival administration

The port call follows Ankara’s new military cooperation agreement with Tripoli as Turkey reaches out to rival factions in eastern Libya. 

Turkey

UAE police arrest three suspects in attempted $25M diamond heist

Three men were arrested after attempting to smuggle a 21.25-carat pink diamond from Dubai, now a major global diamond hub.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

What UAE interest in South Korea’s KF-21 jets signals for Gulf defense strategy

A recent “friendship flight” with the KF-21 Boramae gave the UAE a firsthand look at Seoul’s most advanced fighter, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s efforts to diversify its airpower suppliers and expand regional influence.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan deal hands Turkey South Caucasus opening

The agreement could pave the way for normalizing Turkey-Armenia relations and establishing a long-sought transport link unsettling to Iran.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Iran courts Africa to ease isolation, but trails Russia, China, Turkey

Iran's outreach to Africa after the recent war with Israel is as much about optics as it is about outcomes. In hosting South Africa's top general, Tehran framed limited agreements and symbolic gestures as strategic wins and steps toward new alliances amid diplomatic isolation.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics