Smoke billows over southern Lebanon, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

Trump could weaken Biden’s efforts to persuade Israel and regional players to resolve conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon

The Biden administration is set to make a final effort to secure difficult agreements aimed at resolving the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. However, the potential election of Donald Trump may diminish Washington’s ability to influence Israel and other regional stakeholders before he assumes office. Senior U.S. officials, who have been actively engaged in peace talks across the Middle East for several months, are now … Continue reading Trump could weaken Biden’s efforts to persuade Israel and regional players to resolve conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes near Baalbek, Lebanon, resulted in 40 fatalities

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals near the eastern city of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley on Wednesday, as reported by the country’s health ministry. Additionally, further strikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut as night fell. For over a year, Israel and the Iran-aligned Hezbollah have been engaged in exchanges of fire, coinciding with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. … Continue reading Israeli airstrikes near Baalbek, Lebanon, resulted in 40 fatalities

Trump’s second term could have major implications for the Middle East

If his initial term in the White House serves as a guide, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to prioritize the Middle East in his upcoming agenda. During his first four years, Trump made notable strides by choosing Saudi Arabia as the destination for his inaugural foreign visit, attempting to negotiate a “deal of the century” between Israelis and Palestinians, enhancing the regional integration of Israel, … Continue reading Trump’s second term could have major implications for the Middle East

B-52 Stratofortress

United States to deploy B-52 bombers, destroyers to the Middle East

The United States announced on Friday its plans to deploy B-52 bombers, fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and Navy destroyers to the Middle East as part of a strategic realignment of military resources, coinciding with the impending departure of the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group from the region. According to a Pentagon statement, these deployments are expected to occur over the coming months and highlight the … Continue reading United States to deploy B-52 bombers, destroyers to the Middle East

A handout image released on October 3, 2024 by the Israeli army says to show members of the Israeli army taking part in an operation in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s military claims its strategic goals in Lebanon and Gaza are met; will Netanyahu agree to a ceasefire?

Israel’s military leaders are increasingly indicating that the nation has reached its military objectives in Lebanon and Gaza, suggesting it is now time for political negotiations to take place. This development coincides with statements from Lebanon’s prime minister, who has indicated that a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel may be on the horizon. Additionally, both candidates for the upcoming American presidency have expressed their desire … Continue reading Israel’s military claims its strategic goals in Lebanon and Gaza are met; will Netanyahu agree to a ceasefire?

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister hopes ceasefire agreement with Israel within a few days

Lebanon’s Prime Minister expressed optimism on Wednesday regarding the potential announcement of a ceasefire agreement with Israel within a few days. This comes as Israel’s public broadcaster reported the existence of a draft agreement that outlines a preliminary 60-day truce. According to the broadcaster Kan, the document, which it claims was leaked and drafted by Washington, stipulates that Israel would withdraw its military forces from … Continue reading Lebanon’s Prime Minister hopes ceasefire agreement with Israel within a few days

Israel’s assault has compromised Iran’s defenses, sparking talks of a nuclear option

Iran quickly sought to minimize the significance of Israel‘s strikes on its territory over the weekend, indicating that it has opted for a path to prevent a larger conflict. However, this attack has established a precedent that the Islamic Republic has endeavored to avoid for the past 40 years. For decades, both nations have steered clear of direct conflict, instead engaging in a covert struggle. … Continue reading Israel’s assault has compromised Iran’s defenses, sparking talks of a nuclear option

The United Nations Security Council meets on the escalation in fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah during the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York.

US warned Iran at Security Council that there would be “severe consequences” for any further attack on Israel

The United States issued a warning to Iran during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, stating that there would be “severe consequences” for any further aggressive actions against Israel or U.S. personnel in the Middle East. “We will not hesitate to act in self-defense. Let there be no misunderstanding. The United States seeks to avoid further escalation. We believe this should mark the … Continue reading US warned Iran at Security Council that there would be “severe consequences” for any further attack on Israel

Is the ‘axis of resistance’ against Israel beginning to weaken?

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has profoundly altered the power dynamics, affecting not only the region itself but also extending its influence globally. This situation engages the critical geopolitical interests of significant regional and international players, including Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United States, and Russia, resulting in changes to diplomatic and military approaches as well as shifts in power relations. A … Continue reading Is the ‘axis of resistance’ against Israel beginning to weaken?

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting

Netanyahu says Israel has significantly harmed Iran, while Khamenei downplays the damage

Israel’s airstrikes significantly impacted Iran‘s defense systems and missile production capabilities, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. In contrast, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned against overstating the effects of Saturday’s assault. As conflict continues in Gaza and Lebanon, the potential for direct confrontation between Israel and Iran poses a risk of escalating into a broader regional conflict. Nevertheless, a day after … Continue reading Netanyahu says Israel has significantly harmed Iran, while Khamenei downplays the damage