Airstrikes on Iran-backed paramilitary alliance in Iraq kill at least 15 fighters

Airstrikes hit a regional headquarters of Iraq's umbrella group for Iran-backed Shi'ite militias and a home used by its leader on Tuesday—killing at least 15 fighters in an escalation of U.S.-Israe...

US expected to send thousands of soldiers from 82nd Airborne to Middle East, sources say

The Pentagon is expected to send soldiers from the army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, two sources said on Tuesday. Tap for the full brief.

China mapping ocean floor, analysts say it’s crucial for submarine warfare

China is building knowledge of marine conditions that naval analysts say would be crucial for waging submarine warfare against the United States and its allies. Tap for the full brief.

Afghan Taliban to release US detainee Dennis Coyle

Sources said Washington could ban U.S. passport holders from traveling to Afghanistan if it did not comply—a restriction currently only in place for North Korea. Tap for the full brief.

Israel’s military to occupy swath of southern Lebanon, defense minister says

Israel will occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River to create a "defensive buffer", Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday—spelling out Israel's intent to seize territory amounting to ...

Ukraine has “irrefutable” evidence of Russia providing intelligence to Iran, Zelenskiy says

"Russia is using its own signals intelligence and electronic intelligence capabilities, as well as part of the data obtained through cooperation with partners in the Middle East," Ukrainian Preside...

Rockets launched from Iraq’s Mosul towards US base in Syria, sources say

At least seven rockets were launched from the Iraqi town of Rabi'a towards a U.S. military base in northeastern Syria on Monday, two Iraqi security sources said—the first attack of its kind since t...

Iran vows Gulf closure, mine-laying amid report US eyeing Kharg Island action

Axios has previously reported the U.S. is eyeing plans to seize or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub—to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping....

US drones deployed to Nigeria alongside troops for intelligence, training

The deployment, which follows U.S. airstrikes targeting militants in Nigeria in late 2025, shows a return of U.S. action against ISWAP and al Qaeda-linked insurgencies that are spreading across Wes...

Israeli minister calls for annexation of southern Lebanon

Israel should extend its border with Lebanon up to the Litani River deep inside the country's south, Israel's finance minister said on Monday—as Israeli troops bombed bridges and destroyed homes in...

"Major points of agreement" in talks with Iran, Trump says

"All I'm saying is, we are in the throes of a real possibility of making a deal," President Trump told reporters before departing Florida for Memphis. Tap for the full brief.

Trump backs down on strikes on Iran's power network, says US and Tehran holding talks

Conversations with Iran will continue throughout the week, Trump said in a social media post. Tap for the full brief.

France says it boarded tanker linked to Russian shadow fleet in Mediterranean

The French Navy seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean that President Emmanuel Macron said belonged to Russia's shadow fleet—a network of vessels enabling Moscow to export oil despite sanctions....

UK approves US use of British bases to strike Iran missile sites targeting ships

The British government gave authorization on Friday for the United States to use military bases in Britain to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Ho...

US sending Marines and amphibious assault ship to Middle East, officials say

The U.S. military is deploying a assault ship with more Marines and sailors to the Middle East, three U.S. officials told reporters on Friday—as Iran's new supreme leader hailed Iran's "unity" and ...