Tag: middle east
171 articles
US Navy Struggles to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway, has been crippled, with traffic plummeting to just 10 percent of its normal volume, leaving around 500 merchant ships stranded in the Gulf. This severe disruption has inflicted immense economic and strategic damage, forcing extraordinary political decisions, including President Trump's sudden reversal on a military strike.
Hensoldt's Order Intake Soars as Middle East Business Remains Limited
Hensoldt's order book is booming, with a surge in contracts that directly reflects recent defence spending decisions, according to CEO Oliver Dörre. The company's order intake has doubled to €2.81 billion, with its order backlog now exceeding €10 billion.
Red Sea Escort Requests Surge Amid Escalating Houthi Threats
As tensions escalate, commercial vessels are flocking to Operation Aspides for protection, with escort requests surging 39% since February 2026, driven by the growing threat from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis says this increase is a testament to the shipping industry's trust in Aspides as a reliable guardian of safe transit through the High Threat Area.
Airpower Fails to Secure Hormuz Despite Dominance in Iranian Skies
Despite the Defense Secretary's boast of a historic win, Iranian drones and missiles are still shutting down the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, exposing a gaping hole in airpower's ability to secure the vital waterway. The US military's impressive destruction of Iran's navy and defense infrastructure has failed to translate to control of the skies and seas.
US and Saudis Strike Iraq in Response to Iranian Attacks
In a bold move, the US and Saudi Arabia launched a joint strike on Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, hours after foiling a surprise ballistic missile attack from Iran, with President Trump vowing to take a tough stance, saying the US would fight back with full force. Trump revealed that US forces had just minutes to shoot down the incoming missiles, successfully defending against the attack.
US Aircraft Carriers Deploy to Key Regions Amid Global Tensions
As global tensions rise, two US aircraft carriers, the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush, have been deployed to key regions to support maritime security and stability, joining a surge in naval activity that has seen 17 commercial vessels redirected and several others boarded or disabled. The show of force comes amid a heightened sense of urgency in the Middle East and beyond.
Iranian Hackers Deploy NightLedger Backdoor in Global Espionage Campaign
Meet NightLedger, a sneaky new Windows backdoor that's part of a sophisticated espionage toolkit used by Iranian hackers to secretly infiltrate and gather intel from targets worldwide. This powerful tool enables hackers to execute commands, capture screenshots, and operate undetected, putting organizations in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia on high alert.
Saab Lands $1.04 Billion GlobalEye Order from Middle East Customer
Saab has secured a $1.04 billion deal to deliver two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft to a Middle Eastern customer, with deliveries set for 2030. This major order highlights Saab's expertise in providing cutting-edge, multi-domain capabilities to its global customers.
TELESHIM Malware Exploits Telegram for C2 in Middle East Attacks
TELESHIM malware has launched a sophisticated attack in the Middle East, using a multi-stage chain to infect systems and cleverly leveraging Telegram's API to disguise its command-and-control communications as legitimate internet traffic. This sneaky tactic allows the malware to blend in seamlessly, making it a formidable threat.
US Naval Posture Shifts Amid Iranian Blockade
CENTCOM has launched a sustained campaign of nighttime precision strikes against Iranian military targets, dealing a significant blow to their capabilities. The renewed maritime blockade has already seen seven commercial vessels redirected and one disabled in a bold show of force.
Farnborough Air Show Navigates Iran War Tensions, Defense Spending Debates
The cancellation of the Royal International Air Tattoo has thrown the spotlight on the Farnborough International Air Show, now set to be the premier aerospace gathering of the summer. With tensions in the Middle East running high, all eyes will be on Farnborough from July 21 to 24.
US Approves $2 Billion Sale of 20,000 Laser-Guided Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The US State Department has greenlit a potential $2 billion deal to sell 20,000 advanced laser guidance kits to Saudi Arabia, a move that will significantly boost the kingdom's defense capabilities. This major sale will enable Saudi Arabia to better protect itself against current and future threats.
US Resumes Strikes on Iranian Targets Amid Escalating Blockade
The US has launched a series of precision strikes on Iranian targets, hitting coastal defense systems and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island in a bid to safeguard commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The operations, carried out by CENTCOM, aim to degrade Iran's ability to threaten vessels in the critical waterway.
US Threatens Strike on Iran's Hardened Pickaxe Mountain Bunker
US President Donald Trump has put Iran's heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain Bunker in the crosshairs, suggesting it could be a prime target for a significant military strike. Located near Iran's key Natanz nuclear facility, this underground complex has been significantly upgraded with new tunnel networks in recent years.
US Aircraft Carriers Deploy Amid Rising Tensions with Iran
Tensions with Iran are escalating as US aircraft carriers deploy, and in a bold move, the US is reinstating the Iranian blockade, starting July 14, to restrict vessels from transiting to or from Iranian ports. The blockade, enforced by over 20 US Navy ships, aims to ensure compliance while keeping regional waters open to non-violating traffic.
US Deploys F-22 Raptors to England After Iran Operations
US Air Force F-22 Raptors have arrived at RAF Fairford in England after playing a key role in precision missions against Iranian air defenses and nuclear infrastructure. The stealth fighter jets, part of the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, flew in from Israel where they were deployed since late February.
US Military Bolsters Air Command in Middle East
At Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the Combined Air Operations Center leads the charge, commanding air power across 20 nations, including Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, with a team of joint and coalition forces working together seamlessly. This powerhouse center enables rapid reaction and precision control, ensuring safe and effective air and space operations.
Pakistan Charts Middle East Course Between Iran and Saudi Arabia
Pakistan is emerging as a key player in the Middle East, leveraging its diplomatic prowess to broker a historic ceasefire between the US and Iran in April 2026, and positioning itself at the centre of a region in flux. This bold move has sparked debate about Iran's growing ambitions and Islamabad's role in shaping the region's future.
USS Abraham Lincoln Sets Record with 210 Days at Sea
Meet the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that's made history by spending a record-breaking 210 days at sea, showcasing its unparalleled endurance and capabilities. With over 5,000 Sailors and Marines on board, this unstoppable vessel has been a continuous presence in Middle Eastern waters since November 2025.
US-Iran Ceasefire Teeters on Brink of Collapse
President Donald Trump warned of further strikes against Iran, saying US forces had hit them hard and would likely do so again, while expressing doubt that the fragile ceasefire was still intact. The US may also consider reinstating a naval blockade and taking control of Kharg Island.
US Aircraft Carriers Reposition Amid Iran Talks Escalation
The US has beefed up its naval presence in the Middle East with four major warships on station, including two aircraft carriers, as tensions rise during ongoing Iran talks. This strengthened force posture features the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H.W. Bush, and amphibious assault ships USS Tripoli and USS Boxer.
US Airpower Fails to Win Iran War of Disruption
The US may have dominated the skies above 20,000 feet, but its airpower ultimately failed to disrupt Iran's operations, revealing a crucial gap in its military strategy. Despite intense airstrikes, including a six-week campaign hailed as one of the most powerful since the Iraq invasion, America lost the battle of disruption.
US Weighs Overhaul of Military Aid to Lebanon's Army
The US is rethinking its $3 billion military aid package to Lebanon's army, with Republican Sen. Jim Risch warning that an era of unconditional support must end, as critics argue the aid hasn't adapted to growing challenges on the ground in two decades.
Turkish Military Exercise EFES 2026 Showcases Regional Defense Cooperation
This year's EFES 2026 exercise marked a significant milestone with the inclusion of Syria and Egypt as participants for the first time, highlighting a new level of regional defense cooperation. The development signals a notable shift in multinational drills, fostering greater collaboration among nations in the region.