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December 10, 2025

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A Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter takes off during an air show at the Teknofest festival at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul on Sept. 17, 2019.

Analysis

Five ways Turkey could get back into US F-35 fighter jet program

As the US ambassador to Turkey emphasizes strict compliance with American law, Ankara faces a narrow set of options to regain access to the F-35 program.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

US President Donald Trump (L) greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the West Wing of the White House, Washington, Sept. 29, 2025.

Analysis

Differences over Hamas, Turkey and Iran overshadow Netanyahu-Trump summit

When Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, expect him to focus on Hamas' disarmament and rail against Turkey taking part in the international stabilization force in Gaza.

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

US President Donald Trump speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, on Oct. 13, 2025, in Jerusalem.

Israel, US send mixed signals on Gaza phase 2 before Trump-Netanyahu meeting

The US president is expected to press Netanyahu to advance the second phase of the Gaza plan, halt plans for a large-scale strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon and compromise on issues related to Syria.

Basem Naim, member of Hamaspolitical bureau speaks during an interview with AFP in Istanbul on February 8, 2025. Hamas has no desire to return to war with Israel, a senior official with the Palestinian group told AFP on February 8, 2025, nearly three weeks into a fragile ceasefire that halted fighting in Gaza. "Returning to war is certainly not our wish nor our decision," Basem Naim said in an interview. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

Exclusive

Hamas official says group needs guarantees on war's end and statehood to disarm

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim stopped short of pledging that Hamas would not fire on international troops, but said the militant group has "no problem” with the stabilization force.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Latest News

US set to scrap Syria sanctions as Caesar Act repeal heads to vote

People shop in a market on June 17, 2025 in Damascus, Syria.

Analysis

Under US pressure, Israel softens Syria tone but is wary of Sharaa

Israeli Druze from Majdal Shams crossed into Syria on July 16, 2025, to assist relatives in nearby villages following a reported massacre of Druze civilians by Syrian army forces and allied militias.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

Israel likely to strike Iran in 2026, European diplomats say

Smoke rises as fire burns, in an alleged site of IRGC's missile launch targeted by Israel on the mountains of Shiraz, Iran on June 21, 2025. Israel attacked Iran in early hours of June 13, and the exchange of fire between the two countries continues ever since. (Photo by Hiroon / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by HIROON/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

US strategy document names Iran 'chief' destabilizer, calls Syria 'potential problem'

The US National flag flies at half staff on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on December 4, 2025, in honor of Sarah Beckstrom, the National Guard member who was fatally shot the week before. An Afghan man accused of shooting two members of the National Guard near the White House, killing one, pleaded not guilty on December 2, 2025 to murder charges. Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder for the death of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a National Guard member from West Virginia, as well as ass

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

Jared Szuba

Pentagon Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Joyce Karam

Senior News Editor

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East

Andrew Parasiliti

President and Chief Content Officer

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Megan Mineiro

In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress

MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images

UAE intercepts Houthi ballistic missiles in latest attack

The second Houthi attack on Abu Dhabi in just a week marks a new escalation in Yemen's civil war.

Blinken Lavrov

Blinken: Iran nuclear talks reach 'decisive moment'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Geneva on Friday that the window is closing for negotiators in Vienna to reach a deal.

Those displaced by conflict receive food aid in the Tuhayta district of Yemen's war-ravaged Hodeidah province, on June 30, 2021.

Aid agencies sound alarm as US considers relisting Houthis as terror group

The US State Department says it would have to "fully consider the humanitarian implications" of the Houthis' redesignation as a terrorist group.

AFP via Getty Images

US says no more funds for Sudan until civilian government restored

Top US officials met with Sudanese military leaders in Khartoum and said financial aid would remain frozen.

Biden

Biden and the Middle East: Year one review

It's been one year since Joe Biden was sworn in as US president. We take a look at his statements on the Middle East and see where things stand today.

Tom Dulat/Getty Images

UAE seeks Pentagon’s support following drone attack on Abu Dhabi

The UAE has asked the Biden administration to reinstate a prior terrorist designation for Yemen's Houthi rebels.

ANDREW HARNIK/AFP via Getty Images

Biden's Yemen envoy to visit Gulf after Houthi-claimed UAE attack

In the wake of aerial attacks on United Arab Emirates claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the US special envoy for Yemen will travel to the Gulf this week.

Sudanese protesters raise a national flag as they rally against the October 2021 military coup, in Khartoum on Jan. 13, 2022.

US diplomats head to Saudi Arabia, Sudan to push UN post-coup dialogue

This image shows a partial view of the Green Zone, which houses the seat the US Embassy, in Baghdad, on Dec. 19, 2021.

Iraq: Woman, child injured in rocket attack on US Embassy

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that the United States reserves the right to retaliate for such attacks.

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Intel: Biden faces bipartisan frustration over Syria policy

The top members on the House and Senate foreign affairs panels cautioned against giving “tacit approval of formal diplomatic engagement with the Syrian regime.”

Iraq rockets

US troops in Syria, Iraq targeted with renewed rocket and drone attacks

Iran-backed militias are not buying the Pentagon's attempt to rebrand the coalition's defeat-ISIS mission.

Demonstrators participate in a march against anti-Semitism in New York on Jan. 2, 2022.

Protests in New York after man wearing Israeli military shirt attacked

The incident was the latest showcasing divisions in the United States’ largest city over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.