1,784 events tracked
military · geopolitical
The United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan voiced alarm on Wednesday over escalating violence in and around the city of El Obeid, warning that further military escalation could put thousands of civilians at risk and deepen Sudan’s already devastating humanitarian crisis.
military · geopolitical
Since Tuesday, United Nations peacekeepers have detected no airstrikes or new missile fire in southern Lebanon. The lull remains fragile, however, as Israeli drones continue to fly over the area and military operations continue on the ground.
military · geopolitical
The US military said it struck Iran again, hours after a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, in the worst escalation since the two sides signed an interim peace deal two weeks ago.
military · geopolitical
Democratic lawmaker backs bid to halt Israel aid US Representative Greg Casar said he plans to vote in favour of an amendment that would halt military aid to Israel, arguing that Americans "should not be financing more weapons for Netanyahu". "The Israeli government committed war crimes in Gaza and helped drag America into war with Iran," the Texas Democrat wrote on X. "Americans should not be financing more weapons for Netanyahu." The amendment, introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, would cancel $3.3bn in annual US aid to Israel and remove funding earmarked for Israel in the State Department appropriations bill. The proposal is expected to come up for a vote in the House later this week.
military · geopolitical
Congresswoman seeks vote on US backing of ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Lebanon US Representative Rashida Tlaib said she will force another vote in Congress aimed at ending US involvement in what she described as Israel’s “campaign of ethnic cleansing and territorial expansion” in Lebanon. “Congress must vote to end U.S. support for these atrocities and force an end to Israel’s invasion and illegal military occupation of Lebanese territory,” Tlaib wrote on X. She added that “over 4,250 people have been massacred” and that “twelve children are killed or maimed every day as these U.S.-backed war crimes continue”. The Michigan Democrat has been one of the most outspoken critics of US military support for Israel and has repeatedly called for Congress to restrict or end assistance linked to Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Tomorrow, I will force another vote to end U.S. participation in the Israeli apartheid regime's campaign of ethnic cleansing and territorial expansion in Lebanon. Over 4,250 people have been massacred. Twelve children are killed or maimed every day as these U.S.-backed war… — Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) June 29, 2026
military · geopolitical
Video: Far-right Israeli minister Smotrich calls for Jewish settlements in Gaza Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the establishment of Jewish settlements within Gaza, claiming that the Israeli military controls nearly 70 per cent of the strip. He stated that preparations are already in place to build three settlements in the northern perimeter of Gaza, adding that the initiative is awaiting only a "green light" from the prime minister and the defence minister. “We must complete the conquest of the remaining 30 per cent.” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the establishment of Jewish settlements within Gaza, claiming that the Israeli military controls nearly 70 per cent of the strip pic.twitter.com/VponeQWs3q — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) June 30, 2026
military · geopolitical
Turkey, Arab nations condemn Israeli incursions into Syria Turkey and several Arab nations and organisations have condemned Israel's latest incursions and attacks in Syria's southern provinces of Quneitra and Deraa. Turkey said the Israeli actions violated Syria's "territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty", harmed civilians and made conditions in the region increasingly difficult. Saudi Arabia expressed its "total rejection" of what it described as the intimidation of civilians by Israeli forces and condemned violations of international law. Qatar called the incursions “a flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law.” Kuwait said the continued attacks undermined efforts to preserve regional security and stability. UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incursions were a flagrant violation of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel, which Israel is obliged to respect. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit warned that ongoing Israeli military operations in Syria could ignite a wider regional conflict. Gulf Cooperation Council secretary general Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described them as a "flagrant violation" of Syria's sovereignty and a "dangerous escalation" that would fuel tensions and instability across the region.
military · geopolitical
Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Conflicting messages emerged over the future of US-Iran diplomacy after President Donald Trump suggested an important meeting could take place in Doha, while Tehran denied any planned negotiations. Iran says conditions for a final agreement have not yet been met and insists implementation of key provisions of the memorandum of understanding must come first. Meanwhile, tensions persist over the Strait of Hormuz and the Lebanon framework agreement. Here are the latest updates: Trump said a meeting in Doha could prove important and claimed progress was being made on efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Iran's foreign ministry denied reports of a planned meeting with the United States, saying only an expert delegation would travel to Doha to follow up on frozen asset issues. Tehran said it has not yet entered negotiations on a final agreement and that implementation of several key memorandum provisions remains a prerequisite. Iranian officials informed Oman that shipping arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz must change and said conditions would not return to their pre-war status. Iran rejected French proposals related to demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz, warning against actions it described as provocative. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country had emerged as an influential regional power despite months of military and economic pressure. Israeli defence minister Yisrael Katz said there would be no additional withdrawals from southern Lebanon beyond two pilot zones until Hezbollah is disarmed. The Washington Post reported that the United States is expected to play a direct role in monitoring compliance with the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement. Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper met senior officials in Lebanon and Israel as Washington expanded its regional diplomatic and security engagement. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued despite ongoing tensions, while several governments and maritime authorities monitored developments closely. People cross a street in Tehran past a billboard depicting Iran’s slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei kissing slain commander Qasem Soleimani near the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq, 29 June 2026 (AFP)
military · geopolitical
Has Greece become Israel's Trojan Horse in the Gulf? Submitted by Ali Bakir on Wed, 06/24/2026 - 17:17 Tel Aviv would like to remain present inside the emerging GCC security architecture - without needing to be directly welcome at the table Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to a meeting in Athens on 26 July 2022 (Yorgos Karahalis/AFP) On Over the past several years, and with particular intensity since late 2019, Athens has deepened its ties with the Gulf states in ways few might have predicted. At first glance, the relationship looks standard: a European nation gains access to energy and investments, while the Gulf states in turn gain a willing European partner. Looking closer, though, the details tell a different story. Greece’s push into the Gulf has unfolded in two phases, each running in parallel with the same two trends: a tightening alliance with Israel , and deepening friction with Turkey . The first push, from roughly 2016 to 2021, took shape as an anti-Turkey coalition. Built around the Greece-Israel-Cyprus axis, it sought to draw in France , Egypt , Libya’s Khalifa Haftar , Bashar al-Assad’s Syria , and against the backdrop of the 2017 blockade of Qatar , both the UAE and Saudi Arabia . While economic, energy and investment cooperation supplied the pretext for this coalition, security and defence were the main substance. The alignment came easily at the time, because Abu Dhabi and Riyadh were themselves informally aligning with Israeli regional policies on multiple levels. .push({}); In this context, Athens was able to sign several strategic agreements with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. In November 2020, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis signed a strategic partnership with the UAE, and a separate accord on foreign policy and defence, committing each side to assist the other if their sovereignty or territorial integrity were threatened. That same year, the UAE deployed assets to Greece for joint drills, and the two coordinated on Eastern Mediterranean security within a wider network linking Greece, Cyprus, Egypt , France and Israel. Extended reach Similarly, a landmark Greek-Saudi defence agreement in 2021 sent a Greek Patriot battery and personnel to the kingdom, alongside joint air exercises such as Falcon Eye, and a flurry of senior military visits. Greek-Saudi defence and security ties emerged like never before. But the anti-Turkey coalition architecture collapsed when its premise did. Once the 2017 Gulf crisis was resolved and ties between the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia on the one hand, and Turkey on the other, were normalised , the Greek-Israeli scheme to enlist GCC states against Ankara lost its foundation. .push({}); A second Greek push towards the GCC states took place from 2023 to 2026, aligning with the same two trends: a strengthened alliance with Israel, and increasing friction with Turkey. Greece’s aims during this stage have been twofold: to extend the reach and influence of the Greek-Israeli coalition to the Gulf through defence and security ties, and to dilute (and possibly counter) Turkey’s growing weight and role in the Gulf, especially concerning Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. What makes this push distinct is how completely Athens has fused its security policy with Israel's, to a degree no other European state even approaches What makes this push distinct is how completely Athens has fused its security policy with Israel’s, to a degree no other European state even approaches, at a time when Israel is a global pariah whose top officials are facing arrest warrants over the state’s genocidal crimes. The numbers carry the argument. Greece’s flagship air-defence programme, called Achilles’ Shield , is a roughly $3.5bn effort to integrate three Israeli systems into a multi-layered air, missile and anti-drone defence network. Earlier this year, Athens added some $750m for precision rocket artillery from Elbit Systems, a system positioned along its frontier with Turkey. Israeli firms train Greek fighter pilots , while Israel Aerospace Industries’ 2023 acquisition of the Greek firm Intracom Defense opened the way to local production and technology transfer. Officers now move through one another’s command structures in numbers that make the relationship look less like a partnership than an integration. The Greek push into the Gulf facilitates Israel’s hegemonic agenda. Israel emerged from the Gaza war diplomatically constricted, legally exposed, and unwelcome across much of the region. It would like to remain present inside the emerging GCC security architecture without needing to be welcome at the table - and a trusted partner already trying to embed itself in the Gulf's defence circuits, carrying Israeli systems, doctrine and intelligence pipelines, is one way to manage that implicitly. Quiet recalibration Ankara is the other half of the equation. Turkey is the only Muslim-majority Nato state with a serious defence industry, a record of aligning with Arab and Islamic causes through the Gaza war, and the geographic weight to back its positions. Since the resolution of the 2017 Gulf crisis, GCC states have been quietly recalibrating towards Ankara, which now reads as a strategic partner rather than a competitor. Turkey’s efforts to establish a regional security architecture, or an “ axis of stability ” grounded in regional ownership - with the cooperation and coordination of key regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt - directly contradict Greece’s Middle Eastern policies. Turkey-Greece tensions: A clash of nationalisms Read More » If successfully implemented, this initiative could thwart Greece’s regional plans once again. Athens thus feels the need to assert its alliance with Israel and to counter Ankara not only in the Eastern Mediterranean, but also in other arenas where Turkey is active, including the Gulf. It is therefore unsurprising that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has positioned Greece, Cyprus and India within an Israeli “ hexagon of alliances ” designed to counter the emerging alignment of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt. Last December, at the 10th Israel-Greece-Cyprus summit in Jerusalem, the leaders of the three nations pledged to deepen defence and security cooperation. Days earlier, Greek and Israeli media reported on potential plans for a 2,500-strong joint rapid-response force, comprising 1,000 troops each from Israel and Greece, and 500 from Cyprus, with air and naval components. It was openly cast as a mechanism to deter and restrain Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. During this period, Athens has concentrated on enhancing its geopolitical significance to the GCC states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, by focusing on energy, infrastructure and connectivity projects - such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and a fibre optic data cable initiative - in addition to defence and security. Notably, the IMEC deliberately excludes Turkey and Egypt. Anchored by Israel and India, it extends through the UAE and Saudi Arabia to Europe via Greece, pulling the GCC states closer towards the hexagon coalition. The fine print When the US-Israel-Iran war erupted this past February, Greece rushed to offer the GCC states defence and security assistance. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias toured the Gulf states, visiting the UAE and Qatar in March and April, followed by a trip to Saudi Arabia . The visits were timed alongside a war in which Greek military facilities served as a logistical artery for the very strikes that triggered Iran ’s retaliatory missile attacks across Gulf capitals. A country that relies on Israel for its own air defences, posturing as a security provider for the GCC amid a regional war, appears to be offering something it does not truly possess - unless what it’s really offering is connectivity with another state’s system and agenda. Where, in that picture, does the Gulf sit - and who is carrying the picture into its rooms? When a nation becomes a major customer of another’s weapons industry, hosts its training facilities, absorbs its doctrine, integrates its officers, and openly coordinates against a third party, its own foreign policy begins to carry its ally’s imprint. This is evident in how their deeply enmeshed defence ecosystems behave; information, access and political weight begin to move in both directions almost reflexively. What lands on a Greek desk does not necessarily stay on a Greek desk. Moreover, the officials who sign cooperation accords in Riyadh are the same ones signing declarations in Jerusalem to define an alliance that is distinguished, in part, by what it stands against. The same Athens that buys Israeli air-defence systems to deter Turkey, is being invited to aid Gulf air-defence planning. The war has only sharpened this contradiction. This is the fine print that Gulf decision-makers should read before the next round of handshakes. When Greek, Israeli and Cypriot leaders define their alliance by whom it is meant to contain, and when that state is the very one the Gulf is moving towards, a key question emerges - and it answers itself. Where, in that picture, does the Gulf sit - and who is carrying the picture into its rooms? The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye. Politics Opinion Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:29 Update Date Override 0
military · geopolitical
Israeli army raids Palestinian charity in Nablus, orders year-long closure Israeli military forces raided the headquarters of the Solidarity Charity Association in the occupied West Bank’s Nablus on Tuesday, declaring the organisation closed for a year, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. According to local residents, military vehicles and trucks stormed the Balata and Askar refugee camps east of Nablus before troops broke into the charity's offices and vandalised the building for more than two hours. Israeli troops eventually sealed the entrance to the building and posted a military order declaring the association, also known as the Al-Tadamon Charitable Society, shut down on allegations of "supporting terrorism." A military cordon remains in place around the neighbourhood as the raid continues.
military · geopolitical
Ukraine's General Staff has updated data on Russian losses: Russia lost 1,350 soldiers killed and wounded over the past day.
military · geopolitical
Japan is accelerating plans to acquire and develop drones for its military by stepping up cooperation with Ukraine and learning from Kyiv’s wartime experience against Russia as it seeks to deploy more unmanned systems across its territory in the Pacific. To complement this strategy, Japanese companies are boosting cooperation with their European counterparts to manufacture anti-submarine drones. “The entire international community has witnessed how warfare has changed since the outbreak of the...
military · geopolitical
Self-flying fighter jets, uncrewed submarines and drones will be at the centre of Britain’s future military under a defence plan being announced on Tuesday that reflects a world of conflicts transformed by technology. The Defence Investment Plan has been repeatedly delayed as military leaders and Treasury officials wrangled over the cost of equipping the nation’s military for an increasingly dangerous world. Like other Nato countries, the UK is under pressure to increase defence spending to...
military · geopolitical
Long-delayed blueprint is unlikely to end military figures’ calls for more funding
military · geopolitical
Muhoozi Kainerugaba said that he issued the order as he does not "believe in a free press." He is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, who has held his grip on power for decades.
military · geopolitical
The Dutch Defense Ministry also plans to "draw on the experience" of the conflict in Ukraine in developing its own armed forces
military · geopolitical
The Trump Route will pass through an area guarded by Russian border troops, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said
military · geopolitical
Secondary detonations were detected at the facility, which confirmed that the premises of Megasklad were used for military purposes in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces
military · geopolitical
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that he had discussed with Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army Saddam Haftar "unifying Libya's military and building the conditions for lasting peace"
military · geopolitical
According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian army is beginning to face elements of a collapsing front line in this direction
military · geopolitical
Marjorie Taylor Greene called for the lifting of Washington's unilateral sanctions and trade embargo against Cuba
military · geopolitical
Marjorie Taylor Greene described the American military-industrial complex as a true evil
military · geopolitical
Vasily Voskoboynik added that millions of Ukrainians are currently abroad and are unlikely to return because they have already settled there
military · geopolitical
Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 30th
military · geopolitical
Earlier, Nah Welfare Society, a public organization in the state of Arunachal Pradesh representing interests of the Nah tribe, had reported an alleged Chinese military advance in the state’s Taksing Circle
military · geopolitical
Ahmed al-Sharaa also condemned the recent actions of Israeli units in this territory
military · geopolitical
The request includes $67.15 billion for the military, including $21 billion for munitions and to strengthen the U.S. industrial base.
military · geopolitical
Smart Shooter VP Scott Thompson told Breaking Defense that the evolving threat of small drones has sparked high demand for kinetic solutions.
military · geopolitical
HRF challenges Lithuania's refusal to probe Israeli soldier's 'war crimes' The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has submitted a complaint to Lithuania’s Constitutional Court, challenging the country’s refusal to investigate alleged war crimes by an Israeli soldier, Sean Gor. The complaint said HRF evidence suggests that Gor, an Israeli national studying dentistry at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, participated in the military's attacks on UNRWA headquarters and the Al-Shifa medical complex in March-April 2024. Gor was part of the Israeli Army’s Vampire Empire Company of the 52nd Battalion in the 401st Brigade, which is alleged to have been involved in the murder of Hind Rajab, her family, and two paramedics in Gaza on 29 January 2024. The complaint said the refusal to open a pre-trial investigation effectively grants impunity to alleged perpetrators of international crimes solely because the crimes were committed outside Lithuanian territory. 🚨🇱🇹 The #HindRajabFoundation has filed a constitutional complaint over Lithuania's refusal to investigate Israeli soldier Sean Gor for alleged war crimes in Gaza, arguing the decision violates the country’s Constitution and is unlawful under international law. ➡️ More →… pic.twitter.com/cQZv5X7Caf — The Hind Rajab Foundation (@HindRFoundation) June 29, 2026
military · geopolitical
Centcom commander meets Lebanese president, US troops The commander of US Central Command (Centcom), Adm. Brad Cooper, has met senior civilian and military leaders in Israel and Lebanon during an ongoing trip to the Middle East, as Washington pushes ahead with implementing a new Israel-Lebanon framework agreement. In Beirut, Cooper held talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Lebanese Armed Forces commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal. The leaders "discussed the path forward in implementing a historic framework agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on Friday", Centcom posted on X. In Israel, Cooper also met deployed US troops and recognised "exceptional performers for outstanding mission contributions". Centcom says more than 50,000 US personnel remain deployed across the Middle East. During an ongoing trip to the Middle East, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, engaged senior civilian and military leaders in Israel and Lebanon. While in Lebanon, Cooper and his staff met with President Joseph Aoun and Lebanese Armed Forces Commanding General Rodolphe Haykal.… pic.twitter.com/9KRSJyNJIR — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 29, 2026