The US and UK conducted airstrikes on the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, while the US also conducted airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.
The conflict between the US and Iran-backed fighters is escalating, raising concerns about the potential for a larger war. [ more ]
The U.S. targets Iranian proxies for a second day in a row
The U.S. struck Iranian-linked targets in the Middle East for a second consecutive day, hitting 36 Houthi targets in Yemen.
The strikes are in response to a drone attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan, with the U.S. claiming to have struck Iran-backed proxies in each country. [ more ]
Europe live: European leaders gather for two-day summit as concerns grow over aid for Ukraine
The EU summit agenda includes discussions on various topics like Ukraine, the Middle East, Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession, and agriculture. UN Secretary-General urges Israel to allow access to Gaza to prevent famine.
Leaders will discuss boosting military support for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets. The proposal faces complexity, potential legal actions from Kremlin, and Hungary's possible opposition to using funds for arms. [ more ]
Why are European defence leaders talking about war?
European defence ministers and armed forces fear the possibility of Donald Trump becoming the next US president and Russia not being forced out of Ukraine.
There are growing concerns that Europe could find itself involved in a war with Russia and tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. [ more ]
Biden urges Congress to end impasse and send aid to Israel and Ukraine
President Biden urges lawmakers to pass legislation for funding Israel's defense, highlighting the potential risk of Iran's escalation affecting the US.
The international community seeks to link financial support for Israel with increased humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing tensions in the region. [ more ]
Scoop: Treasury to green-light new Iran sanctions after Israel attack
The U.S. under Treasury Secretary Yellen is preparing sanctions on Iran in response to attacks on Israel, signaling willingness to retaliate economically. [ more ]
Macron calls Hamas attacks biggest antisemitic massacre of our century'
French President Emmanuel Macron called the attacks by Hamas on Israel the biggest antisemitic massacre of our century.
Macron emphasized the need to fight against hatred and not give in to antisemitism.
France is committed to responding to aspirations for peace and security in the Middle East and working to release the hostages held since the attacks. [ more ]
The recent attacks between Israel and Hamas have emboldened Iran and its proxy groups, leading to increased aggression and a ramping up of the Iranian nuclear program.
Iran is now estimated to have the fuel for at least three atomic weapons, with the capability to turn it into bomb-grade material in a matter of weeks. [ more ]
Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator John Cornyn are calling for military strikes on Iran, while Nikki Haley urges a forceful retaliation against Iran.
The recent drone strike on American troops in Jordan has escalated tensions between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about the potential for a wider war in the Middle East. [ more ]
Mideast Crisis: Blinken Takes Bid to Avoid Wider War to Qatar and Egypt
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is on a Middle East tour to prevent the escalation of attacks with Iran-backed militias and rally allies around a proposed cease-fire agreement for Gaza.
Blinken has met with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar, and is scheduled to meet with leaders in Israel and the West Bank. Egyptian and Qatari mediators have presented Hamas with a proposal for a pause in fighting. [ more ]
US conducts retaliatory strikes against militias in Iraq and Syria
The United States launched retaliatory airstrikes in Iraq and Syria in response to a drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers.
The airstrikes targeted over 85 facilities, including command and control centers, intelligence centers, rocket and missile storage, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities. [ more ]
Here's How the Latest U.S.-Led Strikes Have Unfolded
The United States has led retaliatory strikes in the Middle East, hitting Iranian-backed armed groups.
The strikes are a sharp escalation of hostilities in the region, and the US has blamed Iranian-backed groups for launching attacks on US troops since October. [ more ]
Biden says he's decided on response to killing of 3 US troops, plans to attend dignified transfer
President Biden has indicated that he has decided how to respond to the killing of three American service members in a drone attack in Jordan that was attributed to Iran-backed militia groups.
Biden does not want to expand the war in the Middle East and is aiming to prevent further escalation, but the specifics of his response have not been disclosed. [ more ]
The US mistook the drone that killed three of its military personnel in Jordan for one of its own
Confusion over a U.S. drone returning to base led to the attack on a U.S. position in Jordan, killing three servicemen and injuring 40 others.
The attack increases pressure on Joe Biden as pro-Iranian militia attacks in the Middle East escalate and the risk of regional escalation grows. [ more ]
Biden: Three Americans killed, many' wounded in drone attack by Iran-backed militia in Jordan
Three American service members killed and multiple wounded in a drone strike in Jordan attributed to Iran-backed militia groups.
First U.S. fatalities in a series of strikes against American forces across the Middle East by Iranian-backed militias, increasing the risk of escalation. [ more ]
US targets Iran militias in response to Jordan attack DW 02/02/2024
President Biden is expected to attend a ceremony to honor the three US troops killed in a drone attack in Jordan, which was attributed to Iran-backed militias.
US officials have reportedly approved plans for strikes on Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq in response to the attack. [ more ]
Biden says he's decided on response to killing of 3 US troops
President Biden has indicated that he has decided how to respond to the killing of three American service members in a drone attack in Jordan that his administration has pinned on Iran-backed militia groups.
The Pentagon is still assessing options to respond to the attack in Jordan, and the U.S. response is expected to come in phases, potentially involving multiple actions over a period of time. [ more ]
President Biden shuts his eyes in Middle East as Iran ascends
The Biden administration's approach to the Middle East is seen as ignorant and detrimental to US interests.
The administration's strategy of pivoting away from the region and ceding ground to Iran has resulted in Iran and its proxy armies engaging in open warfare against US interests. [ more ]
New Hampshire Republicans want big changes, but some have concerns about Trump, AP VoteCast shows
New Hampshire Republicans have concerns about Donald Trump and his criminal charges, but still prioritize curbing immigration and overhauling the federal government.
Democrats in New Hampshire are rallying around President Joe Biden on the economy but have concerns about his age and handling of the Middle East situation. [ more ]
OpenAI Eyes New Horizons: Potential Chip Venture with Middle Eastern Backers
OpenAI is reportedly in discussions for a potential chip venture with Middle Eastern investors, indicating a possible expansion of technological and financial partnerships.
Entering the Middle Eastern market could provide OpenAI with additional capital and strategic benefits for its growth. [ more ]
Journalist: It's "Most Dangerous Moment" for Middle East I've Seen in 20 Years
Military actions across the Middle East are raising concerns of a regional war escalating from Israel's assault on Gaza.
The conflict now involves battlefronts throughout the region and may continue to escalate without deescalation.
Journalist Spencer Ackerman calls this the most dangerous moment for the Middle East he has witnessed in over 20 years of covering war and security. [ more ]
U.S. missiles strike targets in Yemen linked to the Houthi militia.
The United States and its allies carried out military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in response to Houthi drone and missile attacks against commercial shipping.
The strikes were an expansion of the war in the Middle East that the Biden administration had sought to avoid for three months. [ more ]
Blinken Talks a Grand Vision for Mideast Peace but Hits a Wall in Israel
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses confidence in Middle Eastern support for a vision of a postwar Gaza including a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Israel has not shown alignment with the Biden administration's long-term goals of a Palestinian state, and remains focused on the war in Gaza against Hamas. [ more ]
Germany's Role in the Middle East: Foreign Minister Baerbock Sees an Opening for Mediation
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock believes Germany can play a key role as a mediator in the Middle East.
Since the eruption of violence triggered by the Hamas terror attack in October, Baerbock has been preoccupied with the situation in the region. [ more ]