Analysis Can Turkey-Germany summit produce breakthrough on Eurofighter sale? Eurofighters for Turkey are expected to top Olaf Scholz's meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. A senior Turkish defense industry official told Al-Monitor that local production of some of the parts might be an option. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Iran FM Araghchi meets Egypt’s Sisi amid diplomatic push: What we know The Iranian foreign minister held talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, during which both agreed on the need to promote relations between the two countries. Egypt
Egypt's Sisi appoints new chief of powerful intelligence agency Egypt's president on Wednesday appointed a new director of its General Intelligence Service, a powerful agency that has played a key role in Gaza cease-fire talks. Egypt
France again bans Israeli firms from defense fair, deepening diplomatic rift In another sign of deteriorating bilateral relations between Israel and France, Israeli companies will be prevented from featuring their products at the international maritime exposition Euronaval in Paris in November. Israel
Analysis Israel lowers expectations on Iran strikes with eye on US election By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Interview NATO deepens engagement with Iraq as US prepares to withdraw Commander of NATO Mission Iraq Lucas Schreurs
As tensions flare with Iran, Israel embraces Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role as mediator between Israel and Tehran is gaining importance as turmoil threatens to boil over in Syria. Israel
Congress prioritizes smart bombs for Israel despite US shortages US lawmakers are scrambling to defend Israel from rising regional threats. Israel
Moscow’s Iraq strategy: Make lots of friends Russia’s approach in Iraq and the region involves comprehensive cooperation with as many players as possible. Iraq
Turkish court keeps US pastor behind bars Turkey’s decision to postpone US pastor Andrew Brunson’s hearing until July may be driven by electoral calculations and attempts at so-called hostage diplomacy. Turkey
Congress nudges Trump toward Gulf missile defense Congress is trying to revive US-led talks for a GCC-wide missile shield against Iran that have stalled amid tensions with Qatar. Gulf
Turkey gears up military might to host live-fire war games The Ephesus joint combined military exercise — the Turkish military’s most prominent annual display — will reveal much about the operational effectiveness of the country's armed forces in the aftermath of the July 2016 coup attempt. Turkey
US troops on Yemen border ruffle congressional feathers Recent revelations that US ground troops are helping Saudi-led coalition forces target Houthi missile stockpiles in Yemen have renewed calls on Capitol Hill for more congressional oversight in the war. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon blows deadline to pry Iraq off US military aid The Donald Trump administration will continue to foot the bill for rebuilding Iraq’s defense institutions amid rising Iranian influence. Iraq
Pompeo's meeting with Turkish FM fails to calm tensions Mike Pompeo's first meeting as secretary of state with his Turkish counterpart failed to bring a breakthrough in Ankara-Washington ties, as the Syrian city of Manbij remains a potential flashpoint in relations between Turkey and the United States. Turkey
Russia acting as buffer between Israel, Iran Moscow is being called on to deliver on its promised role as Mideast mediator. Israel
Turkey still working to get Altay tanks rolling After 12 years, things are finally falling into place for Turkey's indigenous Altay tank, but it can't get far without an engine. Turkey
Egypt, Russia making most of collaboration prospects Moscow and Cairo are fostering cooperation in various areas and are sure to maintain close bilateral relations in the midterm. Egypt