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

An F-18E fighter jet takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, Sept. 24, 2025.

Analysis

Israel, 'ready' for Iran escalation, looks to US to take lead

Israel ramps up military readiness as the world’s largest aircraft carrier approaches Haifa.

By Ben Caspit

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

ALM Live

US carrier approaches Israel as China, Canada urge citizens to leave Iran

All updates are in your local time zone

The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford departs Souda Bay on the island of Crete on February 26, 2026. (Photo by Costas METAXAKIS / AFP via Getty Images)

China, Canada urge citizens to leave Iran as Tehran proxies threaten US

Other countries including the US and Australia have called for the families of diplomats to leave Lebanon and Israel amid concerns of a regional spillover.

Iran

Shipping giant Maersk diverts from Suez route amid Iran-US tension

The shift comes in reaction to the growing possibility of a military confrontation between the United States and Iran.

Iran

US embassy in Israel authorizes non-essential staff, families to leave

The embassy said that non-essential staff and family members of diplomats serving in the country could leave due to aecurity risk, adding that US nationals should leave the country as as flights are available.

Israel

Latest News

Exclusive

Rubio said 'no meeting' with Syria’s Shibani in Munich unless Kurdish commander included

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2nd L), Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani (3rd R) and SDF commander Mazlum Kobane (4th R) meet on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, on Feb. 13, 2026 in Munich.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Syria begins prisoner exchange with Druze militia in south: What to know

Syria

US F-22 fighter jets reach Israel as military pressure builds on Iran

In this handout image released by the South Korean Defense Ministry, US F-22 fighter jets move after landing at the Kunsan airbase during the joint air drills on Dec. 20, 2022 in Kunsan, South Korea.

By Jared Szuba

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

Asia liquefied petroleum gas prices spike after damage to Saudi facility

Close-up of an LPG dispenser nozzle filling a car's fuel tank. This illustrates the use of alternative fuel sources for automobiles. LPG is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to gasoline.

Saudi Arabia

Subscribe to the Daily Briefing for only $1.67 per month.

The most authoritative roundup for Middle East news everyday in your inbox.

What you get

Daily email with comprehensive regional news coverage
Summary of all key insights from our in-country journalists.

Sarandon was in Spain to receive an honour at Spain's Goya awards for Spanish cinema

Susan Sarandon praises Spain’s stance on Gaza

Agence France-Presse

People walk near a mural featuring images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on a street in Tehran, Iran, February 26, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Italy urges its citizens to leave Iran, be vigilant across Middle East

Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media, as he departs from the White House ahead of his trip to Corpus Christi, Texas, in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 27, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Trump says more Iran talks expected on Friday

Reuters

The USS Gerald R. Ford departed Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete on February 26

USS Gerald R. Ford: the world's biggest aircraft carrier

Agence France-Presse

Featured Newsletters

Editor's choice

Three stories hand-picked by our editorial team.

Stay informed with our daily and weekly newsletters

Read By

See all newsletters

The Al-Monitor Brief

Are Israel and Hezbollah heading toward a new war in Lebanon?

Beatrice Farhat joins Adam Lucente

14:25

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Most Iranians would reject US deal, fearing it enables regime survival, says Hamidreza Azizi

Hamidreza Azizi joins Amberin Zaman

29:08

The Al-Monitor Brief

Is US-Iran energy cooperation possible as nuclear talks, potential strikes loom?

Sam Wendel joins Adam Lucente

10:37

ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

See All

Interview

AI, cybersecurity high on Mideast priorities amid global tech rivalry: Tech Mahindra

A man and woman walk along a promenade overlooking the Burj al-Arab and Dubai skyline on January 4, 2025. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Interview

Treated as 'enemies’: Ahmad Tibi accuses Netanyahu government of indifference to Arab Israeli lives

Ahmad Tibi

Knesset member and Ta'al Party leader

Interview

YPG spokesman: Syrian forces' strategy is to isolate Kurdish towns and cities

Siyamend Ali

YPG spokesman

Interview

Huckabee confirms US-Israel alignment on Iran, says Hamas will disarm 'sooner or later'

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, US President Donald Trump's nominee to be ambassador to Israel, testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, March 25, 2025.

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

JPMorgan to drop UAE from emerging market bond indexes: What to know

By Jack Dutton

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

Analysis

India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

Iran’s student protests enter fourth day as campuses test limits to regime control

Fires are lit as protesters rally on Jan. 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Israel, 'ready' for Iran escalation, looks to US to take lead

By Ben Caspit

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

Joyce Karam, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Holly Dagres, and Ali Hashem

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

Play Video

0:59

Saudi Arabia's former and new investment ministers side by side

Saudi Arabia names new investment minister as Vision 2030 funding lags

Play Video

1:11

Iraqi Christian man in dark blue sweater sitting in an office

After years abroad, Iraq’s Christians weigh returning home

Play Video

3:39

Elizabeth Hagdeorn asking Rubio a question about negotiations with the Iranian government after its killing of protesters

Rubio tells Al-Monitor talks with Iran must address ballistic missiles, proxies

Play Video

2:22

ALM Events

Convening global leaders in business, policy and media.

See All

Past Live Journalism

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 Live Journalism

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 Live Journalism

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

Subscribe to the Daily Briefing for only $1.67 per month.

What you get

Featured Newsletters

Select your cities and get the latest in the arts, music and entertainment.

Editor's choice

Stay informed with our daily and weekly newsletters

Read By

Podcasts

ALM Interviews

The City Pulse Newsletters

Analysis

Watch

ALM Events

Our Journalists