Middle East
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Pentagon Sends Third Carrier, 10,000 Troops Toward Iran
The Pentagon is deploying a third carrier strike group and up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East after talks with Iran collapsed and its UN delegation was expelled.
US-Iran Tensions Escalate Amid Regional Instability
Tensions between the US and Iran continue to rise as conflicts in the Middle East converge, with multiple crises deepening regional instability.
UAE Criticizes Israel's 'Rescue Flights' Label
A UAE source has spoken out against Israel's description of flights from the Emirates as 'rescue flights,' citing disagreements over security measures.
US Sends Third Aircraft Carrier Group to Middle East Amid Iran Strike Deliberations
The US military is dispatching a third carrier strike group and moving thousands of troops to the Mideast as Trump keeps new strike options against Iran under active review.
Explosions Hit Houthi-Controlled Sanaa as Strikes Reported Across Yemen
AFP and Houthi media report explosions and incoming attacks in Sanaa and Taiz on Friday, as the region remains on high alert following Strait of Hormuz tanker strikes.
US Deploys Forces to Middle East Ahead of Midterm Elections
The USS Roosevelt and Marines are set to deploy to the region, providing President Trump with greater military capabilities before the US midterm elections.
FlyDubai Flight to Israel Targeted in Attack; Motive Unknown
FlyDubai flight FZ1073 to Israel survived an apparent attack; investigators are examining the cockpit incident as the attacker's identity and motive remain unknown.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Persist as Iran, US Drift Further From Deal
Iran and the US remain apart on reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Trump rejected Tehran's latest ceasefire terms, with officials citing sanctions leverage and stalled talks.
Iran, Middle East Tensions Escalate Amid Ongoing Conflicts
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has increased its presence in the West Bank during Sukkot, while Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya reaffirms the group's commitment to 'resistance' a...
Iraqi Tribe Claims to Have Battled Somali Pirates
An Iraqi tribe from near the Iranian border claims to have battled Somali pirates and freed a hijacked ship, according to reports.
Saudi Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missiles, Drones Targeting Riyadh
Saudi air defenses shot down Houthi ballistic missiles and drones targeting Riyadh and Khamis Mushait on Saturday, confirmed by Reuters and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Trump Said to Reject Iran Ceasefire Bid, Eyes Post-Midterm Strikes
Iran proposed a seven-day ceasefire to halt all hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump is reported to have rejected the offer, planning to resume bombing after the midterms.
Iranian Flights Grounded as US 'D-Day' Sanctions Take Effect
New American sanctions targeting Iran have cancelled flights and deepened economic pressure as Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles and back-channel Hormuz talks emerge.
Iran's Regional Influence and Middle East Tensions
Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise as Iran's influence grows, with concerns over its nuclear program and human rights record.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Threatens Qatar's LNG Expansion
The ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has put Qatar's $83 billion LNG expansion at risk, with critical equipment unable to reach the country due to the blockage.
Iran Disputes Centcom Oil Claim, Issues New Hormuz Data Cable Rules
Iran's government rejected a US Central Command claim about tanker escorts in the Strait of Hormuz and approved new regulations on undersea data cables in the waterway.
Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon, Defying US-Brokered Framework
Israeli warplanes struck southern Lebanon on Saturday in what Lebanon's state news agency NNA says are ongoing violations of a US-mediated framework agreement, Middle East Monitor reports.
Iran Conveys Conditions for Talks with US
Iran has conveyed its conditions for re-engaging in negotiations aimed at ending the war with the US, including ending the war on all fronts and unfreezing Iranian funds.
Italy Confirms Aircraft Hit in Attack on Saudi Air Base
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed Friday an Italian aircraft was hit during attacks on Saudi Arabia's Ta'if air base, where Rome's military forces are deployed.
Italian Aircraft Struck at Saudi Arabia's Ta'if Air Base, Rome Confirms
Italy's defense minister confirmed Friday that an Italian aircraft was hit during an attack on Saudi Arabia's Ta'if air base, where Italian military personnel are stationed.
Oil Surges 2% as New Strikes Hit Saudi Arabia and Strait of Hormuz
Fresh strikes on Saudi Arabia and the Strait of Hormuz drove oil prices more than 2 percent higher, Reuters reported, as military exchanges across the region intensified.
Trump Says U.S. Could Stay in Iran and Keep the Oil
President Trump raised the prospect of an indefinite U.S. presence in Iran, saying Washington could retain Iranian oil revenues the way it has with Venezuela.
Iran's Khomeinist Left Reasserts Power in Middle East
The Khomeinist Left, once a violent force blending religious zealotry with leftist ideology, has reinvented itself as the 'Reformist' hard core of power in Iran. Meanwhile, esca...
Iraq Dismisses Military Commander Over Saudi Pipeline Drone Attacks
Iraq's prime minister has dismissed a military commander after Saudi Arabia confirmed drones launched from Iraqi territory struck the East-West Pipeline and forced its closure Friday.
Drone Strikes Hit Saudi Arabia's East-West Oil Pipeline
Multiple pumping stations on Saudi Arabia's critical East-West crude pipeline were struck by drones Thursday, threatening the kingdom's main oil export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
Middle East Tensions Rise as Houthi Advances Threaten Oil Exports
Houthi strikes in Yemen and Saudi Arabia have raised concerns about global trade and oil prices, as the US marks 25 years since the 9/11 attacks.
Hormuz Traffic Plunges to Single Digits Amid Middle East Escalation
Vessel tracking data cited by Reuters shows ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to single digits Thursday, down sharply from a 10-day average of 15 vessels in both directions.
Middle East Tensions Rise as Arab League Rejects Hezbollah Activities
The Arab League has adopted a resolution rejecting Iranian foreign influence and Hezbollah's continued military activities in Lebanon, while Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu pl...
Iran's Middle East Plans Weakened by Blockaded Houthis
A weakened Iran may struggle to support its proxies in the region, according to analysis from The Jerusalem Post.
Houthis Strike Saudi Oil Sites, Wound 73 in Major Escalation
Iran-backed Houthi forces struck four Saudi cities overnight, setting oil facilities ablaze and wounding at least 73. Saudi Arabia has vowed to retaliate.
Oil Surges to Six-Week High as US-Iran Strikes Hit Hormuz Traffic
Oil prices climbed to six-week highs Monday as US-Iran strikes disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the corridor for roughly 20% of global oil trade.
U.S. Strikes Perimeter of Bushehr Nuclear Plant, State Media Reports
Iranian state media reports U.S. forces struck the perimeter of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, a significant escalation in the ongoing US-Iran military exchange. No U.S. confirmation yet.
Iran Airs Footage of Claimed Missile Strikes on U.S. Warships
Iranian state TV broadcast footage it claims shows ballistic missile attacks on a U.S. aircraft carrier and destroyer amid reports of a broader Iran-U.S. military exchange.
Iran Airs Footage of Missile Attacks on U.S. Carrier and Destroyer
Iranian state TV broadcast footage it said showed ballistic missile strikes on a U.S. carrier and destroyer as Iran and the U.S. exchanged attacks on military and oil targets.
Iran Launches Missile and Drone Strikes on US Bases Across Middle East
Iran launched missiles and drones at US military bases across the region after US strikes on Iran killed at least 18 people, including children, on Wednesday.
Xi Jinping Visits Egypt for First Time in a Decade as Middle East Tensions Mount
China's president arrived in Cairo to deepen economic ties and shore up Arab partnerships ahead of a Trump meeting, as U.S. strikes on Iran and expanded sanctions complicate Beijing's regional position.
Hamas Official Seized as IDF Launches Heavy Wave of Gaza Strikes
The IDF launched a heavy wave of strikes across Gaza Tuesday as an anti-Hamas militia reportedly seized a Hamas official, killing three, the Times of Israel reports.
US Forces Strike Iranian Rocket Launchers at Strait of Hormuz
US military struck two Iranian rocket launchers spotted preparing to fire at the Strait of Hormuz, AP confirms. First American strike on Iranian assets in weeks.
Israel Would Strike Iran Even Under a US Deal, Minister Says
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said Saturday Israel would attack Iran again if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear or missile programs, regardless of any US-Iran agreement.
Ship Struck in Strait of Hormuz Hours After Trump's Iran Economic Push
A vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, hours after Trump unveiled an 'Economic D-Day' pressure campaign against Iran, per The War Zone.
IRGC Spokesman Warns U.S.: Strikes on Iran Infrastructure Will Draw Hits on American Vital Interests
Iran's Revolutionary Guard spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi says any U.S. attack on Iran's critical infrastructure will trigger heavy retaliatory strikes on American vital interests.
IDF Kills Hamas Commander, Civilians Dead in Gaza Strikes
Israeli forces killed a Hamas military commander and struck a weapons site near an aid center in Gaza Sunday; Reuters confirmed at least two civilian deaths including a 4-year-old.
Israel Strikes Southern Syria; U.S. Envoy Says Washington Not Notified
Israel struck targets in southern Syria Saturday, Reuters confirmed. U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack says Israel gave Washington no advance warning before hitting a Syrian base — Israel denies it.
Iran Threatens Hormuz Blockade as US Sanctions Pressure Mounts
Tehran warns it will target neighboring states' interests if they join Washington's economic campaign, while granting Iraq a limited Hormuz exemption after Baghdad pledges neutrality.
Trump Says Iran 'Can Do Very Bad Things,' Calls IRGC 'Still Strong'
President Trump warned Friday that Iran retains serious destructive capacity and acknowledged the IRGC remains powerful, as he declared Tehran not ready for a nuclear deal.
Iran Fires Two Ballistic Missiles at UAE, Air Defenses Scramble
The UAE defence ministry confirmed Iran launched two ballistic missiles at its territory Tuesday, activating air defense systems and triggering the first public shelter alerts in months.
Damascus Blames Israel for Overnight Strikes on Syrian Airbase
Multiple airstrikes hit the Abu al-Duhur military airfield in Syria's Idlib province overnight, with Syrian state TV attributing the attack to Israel and reporting material damage but no casualties.
CENTCOM Launches First Multinational Attack Drone Task Force
U.S. Central Command stood up Task Force Falcon Strike, its first multinational one-way attack drone force, spanning air, surface and undersea systems with regional partners.
Gaza Strikes Continue as Disarmament Deal Stalls on Sequencing
Israeli strikes killed at least 18 Palestinians in Gaza as Israel and Hamas remained divided over whether disarmament or military withdrawal must happen first.
Israeli Strikes Kill Four in Gaza as Trump Claims Breakthrough
Israeli airstrikes killed at least four Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday, including a child, as President Trump announced what he called a diplomatic breakthrough in the region.
Trump Orders New Wave of Iran Strikes Aimed at Forcing Regime's Surrender
The U.S. military is weighing renewed strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, as officials warn Tehran could attempt to rebuild its nuclear capabilities.
Iran Claims IRGC Missiles Destroyed Three U.S. F-35s at Jordan Air Base
The IRGC claimed ballistic missiles struck Al-Azraq Air Base in eastern Jordan, destroying three F-35 fighters — an assertion that neither the Pentagon nor Jordan has confirmed.
US Missile Strikes Northwestern Iran Near Piranshahr, State TV Reports
Iranian state media says a US projectile struck an uninhabited area near the northwestern border city of Piranshahr — the first reported US strike on Iranian soil in the current exchange.
Trump's Saudi Nuclear Deal Draws Fire Over Nonproliferation Risks
Foreign Policy warns Trump's emerging civil nuclear pact with Saudi Arabia would dismantle decades of U.S. counterproliferation policy at a dangerous moment in the Middle East.
Iran Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz After Weekend Pause in Strikes
Iranian state media declared Monday that Tehran controls the Strait of Hormuz, the world's critical oil chokepoint, following a weekend lull in strikes.
Trump Conditions Nuclear Deal on Saudi Arabia Joining Abraham Accords
President Trump said he will not move forward with a nuclear agreement until Saudi Arabia normalizes relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords framework.
Iran Airlifted IRGC Commanders, Missile Gear to Houthis, Sources Say
Four sources told Reuters that Iran flew IRGC personnel and missile equipment from Tehran to Yemen on July 13, a previously unreported transfer amid U.S. strikes on Iran.
Trump Approves Saudi Nuclear Deal Without Enrichment Curbs
The Trump administration approved a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that omits uranium enrichment restrictions, raising proliferation concerns in an already volatile region.
Trump to Submit Saudi Nuclear Pact to Congress Within Days Amid Safeguards Concerns
The Trump administration plans to send a Saudi civilian nuclear cooperation agreement to Congress within days, Reuters reports, despite unresolved non-proliferation safeguards questions.
U.S. Strikes Hit Iran's Oil City Abadan; Two Killed at Three Sites
U.S. missiles struck three locations in the Iranian oil-refining hub of Abadan on Monday, killing at least two people and wounding three others, Iranian officials said.
Oil Jumps 3% as U.S.-Iran Strikes Escalate Over Hormuz
Crude oil surged more than 3 percent after the United States and Iran traded fresh strikes Sunday, with Tehran accusing Washington of breaching a June ceasefire pact.
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Palestinian in Gaza Despite Ceasefire
An Israeli drone strike hit a civilian vehicle near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza on Saturday, killing one Palestinian and wounding two others amid an active ceasefire.
U.S. Demands Iran Affirm Strait of Hormuz Is Open Amid Strike Exchange
Washington is pressing Tehran to formally confirm the Strait of Hormuz is open to shipping as both sides continue trading strikes with no ceasefire in place.
Trump Told Netanyahu to End Iran Conflict, Axios Reports
Axios says the US president told Israel's prime minister last week to stand down as Tehran talks advanced, with a senior US official now strongly confident in a deal.
Talks Survive as U.S. and Iran Trade Strikes
Backchannel nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran remain active even as both sides exchange fire overnight, CNN reports. The diplomatic track is the under-reported development.
Trump Claims 'Complete Victory' Over Iran Within Two Weeks
Trump told reporters Monday evening the US will declare a 'complete victory' over Iran within two weeks and said Iranian officials want a 'very nice' agreement.
CENTCOM Says US Shot Down Four Iranian Drones Near Strait of Hormuz
US forces intercepted four Iranian attack drones and struck Iranian radar sites overnight, threatening fragile ceasefire efforts and nuclear talks near the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio Calls Iran's Gulf Strikes 'Reprehensible' as US Rallies Allies
Iran struck Kuwait and Bahrain, both hosting US military bases. Secretary Rubio held emergency talks with Kuwait's FM and reaffirmed US security commitments to the region.
Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire as Israel Strikes Continue
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the US-brokered ceasefire framework agreed between Israel and Lebanon, casting doubt on whether the truce can hold.
Israel Pushes Back as US-Iran Deal Nears Finalization
Israel is publicly opposing the framework expected Sunday, with Haaretz reporting Netanyahu's leverage over the Trump White House has materially declined.
Trump: 'Won't Be Anything Left' as US Sets Five-Point Nuclear Ultimatum
Trump sharpened his threat to Iran Saturday evening, warning nothing will remain if talks fail, as the US formally outlined five conditions including transfer of 400kg of enriched uranium.
Lebanon and Israel Hold Direct Talks in Washington Amid Strikes
Lebanon and Israel are conducting ambassador-level talks in Washington with cautious optimism, even as Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanese towns.
Saudi Arabia Floats Non-Aggression Pact With Iran
Riyadh is reportedly proposing a regional non-aggression agreement with Iran as diplomatic activity accelerates across multiple tracks, according to Middle East Eye.
The IRGC and the Quds Force: who they are, what they do, why they matter
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its expeditionary arm are the actual operating engines of Iranian foreign policy. Here's the structure, the doctrine, and why understanding the IRGC matters more than tracking Iran's diplomatic statements.