Israeli defence minister, army chief discuss ‘security, regional issues’ with CENTCOM chief – Middle East Monitor

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has accused current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of declaring war on Israel and undermining its capabilities, leading to significant damage to the country's standing and image. In a recent radio interview, Barak criticized Netanyahu for avoiding the establishment of an official inquiry into the events of October 7, 2023, and claimed that Israel is on the verge of collapse due to Netanyahu's actions. He also noted that while Netanyahu...

The third round of US-Iran nuclear talks are progressing well, according to US President Donald Trump, who expressed optimism about reaching a deal soon without military action. While both sides, represented by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, acknowledge serious technical negotiations, Araqchi emphasized cautious optimism due to existing differences. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, while Trump has prioritized diplomatic talks over...

Iran repelled a significant cyber attack on its infrastructure, according to Behzad Akbari, head of the Infrastructure Communications Company, following a powerful explosion at its main container port, Bandar Abbas. The blast's cause remains unclear, though chemicals were suspected, and Iran's Defence Ministry denied links to missile fuel mishandling. Concurrently, a third round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington concluded in Oman, amid Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu's demands for the complete dismantling of Iran's...

The US military has declined to disclose specific details about its airstrikes in Yemen, citing "operational security," while noting that these strikes have had "lethal effects" on Houthi rebels. President Trump ordered intensified strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, which have resulted in significant casualties, including a recent strike that reportedly killed 74 individuals. Rights advocates have raised concerns over civilian casualties, prompting inquiries from Democratic senators, as the military aims to diminish Houthi military and...

Syria's Islamist leaders have rejected Kurdish demands for decentralization in a post-Assad political order, claiming it threatens national unity. They emphasized that any attempts to impose federalism or autonomy without national consensus are unacceptable, stating, "The unity of Syrian territory and its people is a red line." Meanwhile, Kurdish political parties in eastern Syria convened to form a unified vision for a decentralized, democratic state that ensures Kurdish rights and advocates for national dialogue to...

American forces have conducted over 800 airstrikes in Yemen against the Houthi militia as part of Operation Rough Rider, targeting key military facilities and weaponry, including missiles and drones. The campaign, initiated by President Trump, aims to deter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and has reportedly cost over $1 billion in its first month, raising concerns about munitions use impacting U.S. military readiness elsewhere. Despite the strikes, Houthi officials claim civilian...