AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a session of the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on July 16, 2026, before the start of the election recess ahead of the Oct. 27 general election.

Analysis

Trump's ‘180-degree reversal’ on Lebanon, Syria leaves Netanyahu with few options before elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes an Israeli withdrawal from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon will help ease tensions with President Donald Trump.

By Ben Caspit

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

Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon in Sanaa on April 10, 2026.

Yemen's Houthis raise Red Sea stakes for Trump

With President Donald Trump ratcheting up his threats, will Iran play its Houthi card?

Iran

The sun sets behind overhead power lines in Kuwait City, June 19, 2024.

Iran strike damages Kuwait power, desalination plant: What to know

Kuwait, the world’s most water-stressed country, urged residents to reduce electricity and water use following the attack.

Kuwait

People stand near a damaged portion of a bridge in the aftermath of a strike, in Bandar Khamir, Hormozgan province, Iran July 16, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from social media video. Social Media/via REUTERS

Escalation fears mount as US and Iran both attack infrastructure

Reuters

US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with Prime Minister of Iraq Ali al-Zaidi during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, July 14, 2026.

Analysis

What Zaidi's Washington visit means for US investment in Iraq

Iraq could greatly benefit from US investment in gas capture, which could help reduce the country's dependence on neighboring Iran.

By Adam Lucente

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

Latest News

Chevron, ConocoPhillips advance Iraq's Hormuz alternatives

Iraq

Trump taps Russia-born investor to oversee $200M+ fund backing Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 22: U.S. President Donald Trump (C) sits in between Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan (L) and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during a signing ceremony for the “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on January 22, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The US-backed “Board of Peace” is intended to administer the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after the war between Israel and Hamas. The final makeup of the board has not been confirmed. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/G

United States

Syria seizes arms shipment on Iraq border destined for Hezbollah

Lebanon

Vance says Israeli intelligence had ties to Epstein: What to know

US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Wisconsin Air National Guard facility at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on July 8, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

United States

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A satellite image shows what appears to be an oil slick off the coast of Dhofar Governorate, Oman, July 13, 2026. Satellite imagery analysis and experts indicate the slick may be linked to the Caroline Bezengi, a vessel under sanctions for transporting Russian fuel, in a protected marine area off the coast of Oman. EUROPEAN UNION/COPERNICUS SENTINEL-2/Handout via REUTERS

Sanctioned tanker is leaking oil near Oman, according to satellite images and experts

Reuters

Venice protests greet U.S. Ambassador Fertitta's arrival on superyacht

Reuters

Democratic former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi (L) voted to cut military aid for Israel, while Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (R) voted the other way -- exposing the divide in the party

Democrats' Israel split widens ahead of US midterms

More than 100 US House Democrats voted this week to cut military aid to Israel, exposing a widening party divide that could reshape both November's midterm elections and the future of one of Washington's most durable foreign policy alliances. "When more than 100 House Democrats are willing to vote to cut military aid, that's no longer a protest vote," veteran political strategist Mike Fahey told AFP. "That's a signal that the party is undergoing a generational and ideological realignment."

Agence France-Presse

Iranians suffer new uncertainty and anxiety as US steps up attacks

Reuters

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Middle East Minute

Iran hits Kuwait desalination plant, strikes Syria for first time

17 July, 8:45 AM ET

3:57

Middle East Minute

Syria says it seized Hezbollah weapons at Iraqi border

16 July, 8:55 AM ET

3:58

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Award-winning author Suzy Hansen says Turkish President Erdogan's grip on power not necessarily assured

Suzy Hansen joins Amberin Zaman

15 July, 2:15 PM ET

38:42

Interviews

Exclusive conversations with AL-MONITOR.

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Interview

Ayman Odeh says Arab parties could back Bennett or Eisenkot to block Netanyahu

Ayman Odeh

Head of the Knesset's Hadash-Ta'al faction

Interview

Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO

A student attends a training seminar at the Tourism Ministry Training center in the city of Riyadh on August 30, 2022.

Olivier Badard

CEO of Armada Holding

Interview

US-Egypt fund makes case for economic statecraft in hard power era

A worker counts banknotes after filling up the tank of a vehicle at a petrol station in Giza on March 10, 2026.

Cornelius Queen

Senior Vice President of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund

Interview

Why Strait of Hormuz no longer rattles oil markets as much: IMF

Jihad Azour

Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund

A ship sails off the coast of Ajman on July 10, 2026.

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Trump's ‘180-degree reversal’ on Lebanon, Syria leaves Netanyahu with few options before elections

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

As US ties fray, top Oman official visits China: What to know

By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll

Analysis

How UK's IRGC designation raises stakes for Iran and Europe

A general view of the Iranian Embassy on July 13, 2026, in London, England.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

What Zaidi's Washington visit means for US investment in Iraq

By Adam Lucente

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

Deciphering the US-Iran deal: What comes next?

June 23, 2026