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

Middle East Airlines aircraft sit on the tarmac at Beirut's Rafik Hariri airport on April 10, 2026. Smoke from an Israeli strike still lingered in the air as a plane from Lebanon's national carrier took off from Beirut airport, which has stayed open despite the latest war between Israel and Hezbollah. The country's only international passenger facility, whose departure boards are now largely red with cancellations, is located on the Mediterranean coast at the edge of Beirut's southern suburbs. (Photo by Anw

Breaking

Last Updated: July 21, 2026, 3:52 pm

Trump authorizes direct US flights to Lebanon after 3-decade halt

Direct flights between the United States and Lebanon have not been operational since 1985.

Lebanon

FILE PHOTO: A satellite view shows tunnel entrances at Pickaxe Mountain, of the Natanz nuclear facility, near Natanz, Iran, June 30, 2026. Vantor/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Analysis

Israel draws line on Houthi attacks, hopes for Trump strike on Pickaxe Mountain

From the perspective of the Israeli military and some politicians, the current situation of the US striking at Iran and Israel staying out of the conflict is ideal.

By Ben Caspit

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

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 21: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) greets President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun as he arrives at the White House on July 21, 2026 in Washington, DC. Aoun is visiting the White House on the final day of a four-day trip to Washington to discuss the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah as the Israeli military begins its first limited withdrawal from Lebanon following last month’s U.S.-brokered agreement. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Trump hosts Lebanon's Aoun, pledges 'concrete plans' toward Israeli withdrawal

President Joseph Aoun arrived in Washington over the weekend and is holding the first Oval Office meeting for a Lebanese head of state since 2009.

Lebanon

In this handout photo provided by the US Navy, Two F/A-18 Super Hornets launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 3, 2026 in the Mediterranean Sea.

US launches fresh strikes on Iran, reinforces air assets in region: What to know

After weathering five months of airstrikes, the IRGC's strategy to deny the US Air Force safe harbor at runways across the region still shows lethal progress.

Iran

A pickup truck carrying a turret is pictured as fighters supporting the Aden-based and internationally recognized Yemeni government gather along the Red Sea shore in Khokha, in Yemen's western Hodeidah province on July 20, 2026.

Houthis warn shipping firms to avoid Saudi ports or face attack: What to know

The Houthi militia reportedly emailed multiple shipping companies on Tuesday, warning them of the consequences of visiting Saudi ports.

Yemen

Latest News

Lebanese army enters southern town after Israeli withdrawal, in first test of US-brokered deal

A Lebanese army soldier inspects the damage in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in Nabatieh, Lebanon June 21, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer REFILE - QUALITY REPEAT

Syria arrivals surge 111% as government bets on tourism revival

Syria

As Houthis declare Red Sea blockade on Saudi Arabia, oil markets brace for impact

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Iran's Araghchi reveals Turkey's role in thwarting Kurdish offensive

Iran

Get unlimited access for as little as $2/week.

The most authoritative roundup for Middle East news everyday on site, app and your inbox.

See Offers

Subscriber-Only Benefits

Our Independent Journalism | No agendas. No influences. Just factual stories.
The Daily Briefing | Intelligent, concise insights—delivered daily.
Unlimited Access | Reporting & analysis—without paywalls.

FILE PHOTO: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a cabinet session to discuss the army's plan to disarm Hezbollah, at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, September 5, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo

Lebanon's Aoun, Trump discuss disarming Hezbollah

Reuters

Tankers with Saudi crude turn back as Houthis open new front in US-Iran war

Reuters

A satellite imagery shows Bab el Mandeb Strait, a key shipping waterway and the gateway to the Red Sea, in this handout picture dated July 12, 2026. Nasa Worldview/Handout via REUTERS

Houthis warn shipping companies to avoid Saudi ports, email shows

Reuters

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters before departing from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on July 19, 2026. Secretary Rubio is traveling to Manila, Philippines to attend the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/Pool via REUTERS

ASEAN top diplomats meet, voice 'serious concern' over Middle East hostilities

Reuters

Featured Newsletters

Editor's choice

Three stories hand-picked by our editorial team.

Expert insight on the Middle East—delivered regularly

Read By

See all newsletters

Middle East Minute

US sends air reinforcements to region as Yemen’s Houthis up threats

21 July, 8:56 AM ET

3:13

Middle East Minute

Lebanon President starts US visit, first since 2009

20 July, 8:52 AM ET

3:32

Middle East Minute

Iran hits Kuwait desalination plant, strikes Syria for first time

17 July, 8:45 AM ET

3:57

Interviews

Exclusive conversations with AL-MONITOR.

See All

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

How Hormuz crisis is turning Fujairah into the UAE’s strategic lifeline

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

As Turkey eyes US naval revival, here is why big warship deals are unlikely

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey, greets Donald Trump, president of United States, during a welcome ceremony of allied heads of state and government, on July 8, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Why Iran's Kurdish front is becoming a growing wartime concern

People wave flags of Kurdistan during a march in Erbil, Iraq, on April 21, 2026, expressing support for the unity of Iranian Kurdish parties and condemning Iranian missile strikes and military actions against Kurdish groups in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Israel draws line on Houthi attacks, hopes for Trump strike on Pickaxe Mountain

By Ben Caspit

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

Deciphering the US-Iran deal: What comes next?

June 23, 2026

1:02:22

How the Iran war is reshaping energy markets

May 20, 2026

1:00:30

Iran War at One Month: Outlook and Implications

April 1, 2026

1:04

Are the US and Iran closer to war or a deal?

February 24, 2026

0:59

After years abroad, Iraq’s Christians weigh returning home

February 10, 2026

3:39

Syria's Sharaa in Washington

November 6, 2025

1:00

The Future of Energy and Power in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

May 23, 2025

1:38

Plestia Alaqad on Gaza and South Lebanon

April 1, 2025

5:00

Vision Golfe 2024 - Mastering Mega events in the GCC from a Sports Perspective

June 4, 2024

34:36

The Syria Strategy Project: Panel one

March 18, 2024

3:42:49

US confrontation with Iran’s proxies: Live Q&A with Jared Szuba and Elizabeth Hagedorn

February 2, 2024

38:25

The Israel-Hamas War: Live Q&A with Amb. David Satterfield (Part 2)

January 25, 2024

33:53

AL-MONITOR Live Journalism

Convening global leaders in business, policy and media.

See All

Past

AL-MONITOR Global Institute hosts food security forum with Dr. Conrad Rein

On October 16, 2025, the AL-MONITOR Global Institute hosted Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, alongside representatives from multilateral development banks and the private sector for a discussion on food security in the Middle East and Africa.

Washington, DC

October 16, 2025 11:00 EDT

Past

AL-MONITOR Global Institute hosts Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya

On Sept. 21, 2025, the AL-MONITOR Global Institute hosted Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, for a discussion on digital inclusion and economic empowerment in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

New York, NY

September 21, 2025 17:00 EDT

Past

Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at AL-Monitor Global Institute

AL-MONITOR Global Institute hosts Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright

On May 22, 2025, the AL-MONITOR Global Institute hosted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington DC to discuss the future of power and energy in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Washington, DC

May 22, 2025 10:30 EDT

Our Journalists

See All

Latest News

Get unlimited access for as little as $2/week.

Subscriber-Only Benefits

Featured Newsletters

Dispatch

Editor's choice

Expert insight on the Middle East—delivered regularly

Read By

Audio

Interviews

The City Pulse Newsletters

Analysis

In Depth

AL-MONITOR Live Journalism

Our Journalists