Middle East

Kurdish Peshmerga completes its long process of unification - explainer

The armed forces of the Kurdistan autonomous government announced their unification and would turn their attention to 'strengthening military capabilities.'

Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters gather during a security deployment in Luhaiban village in Kirkuk Monday, 6th December 2021

IDF reportedly raids several areas in West Bank after one killed in Neveh Tzuf terror attack

Israeli soldiers and police officers near the scene of a shooting attack at a spring near the Israeli settlement of Neve Tzuf in the West Bank, where an Israeli man was shot by a Palestinian terrorist and later died of his wounds, September 20, 2026.

Syria grows increasingly concerned about suspicious explosions near Aleppo

An explosion takes place in an area controlled by Israel in southern Lebanon, as seen from the edge of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, Lebanon, July 23, 2026.

Iran says it has new targets, weapons ready if US launches new attack, Fars news says - report

Missiles are displayed during a military parade held by the Houthis, who are armed primarily by the IRGC.

Russia or the US? Post-Assad Syria tries to keep both powers in play - analysis

As Russian ships resupply Moscow’s remaining military presence and US companies arrive seeking investment opportunities, Damascus is trying to build ties with Washington without abandoning Moscow.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByRIZIK ALABI/THE MEDIA LINE

A Syrian rebel fighter (C) looks on as he stands at an inspection checkpoint for incoming vehicles before a Russian flag and Russian soldiers behind manning the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on December 29, 2024.

Six French Islamic State suspects could face death penalty as Iraqi court opens trial

The defendants were among 47 French Islamic State detainees transferred from prisons in northeast Syria last year as part of a broader relocation process overseen by US forces and Iraqi authorities.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByREUTERS

A court building, where six French nationals accused of belonging to Islamic State are standing trial, in Baghdad, Iraq, September 20, 2026.

Iran claims US preparing to resume attacks, threatens bases, supporting regional countries

The military said that any US attack would trigger sustained strikes on US bases and interests in the region, the report added.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByREUTERS

Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attend an IRGC ground forces military drill in the Aras area, East Azerbaijan province, Iran, October 17, 2022.

Israeli-Saudi security coordination remains 'limited and pragmatic,' Saudi analyst cautions

Riyadh and Israel increasingly confront overlapping threats from Iran and the Houthis, but political constraints continue to limit direct military cooperation.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByGIORGIA VALENTE/THE MEDIA LINE

Illustrative: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman looks on upon his arrival during a welcome ceremony as part of his two-day official visit to France, at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris, France August 24, 2026.

UAE official denies Abu Dhabi's MBZ warned Netanyahu of large-scale attack ahead of Oct. 7 - report

Abu Dhabi's state-owned English-language newspaper, "The National," described the statement as rejecting recent claims that a direct warning had been conveyed to Netanyahu.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByIDAN KWELLER

An illustration of the Israeli and UAE flags.

Pahlavi: Iran regime continues to erode from within as defections grow

Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi said regime officials and military members are quietly breaking away, claiming the opposition has entered a new phase against Tehran.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByALEX WINSTON

Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Iran's last shah and Iranian opposition figure, attends an interview with Reuters in Paris, France, July 14, 2026.

Thousands of IRGC, Basij volunteers march through Tehran in show of defiance against US, Israel

Participants said they were prepared to take up arms and defend the country after months of war and a worsening economic situation in Iran, the Associated Press reported.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByAMIT AVITAN

Military forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran conduct street parades and provide military training to supporters in preparation for a potential conflict with the United States and Israel on September 18, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Palestinian officials accuse US of ignoring reforms after Abbas barred from UN visit

"It is clear that the US has taken a position without considering the details,” a senior PA official claimed, referring to reforms the PA has begun introducing.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByDANA BEN-SHIMON

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas faces deep public dissatisfaction, with a new poll finding overwhelming support for his resignation, and growing doubts over the PA’s role and legitimacy.

Qatar denies funding Hamas after Israeli report claims Netanyahu ignored warnings over Gaza aid

The report also included quotes from several prominent Israeli politicians reacting to the news and censuring Netanyahu's behavior.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByMAYA ZANGER-SHAMIR

A Qatar flag in front of the Doha skyline on September 20, 2025.

IDF reportedly raids several areas in West Bank after one killed in Neveh Tzuf terror attack

Trump calls off planned US strikes on Houthis at last minute after Saudi plea • Iran says it has new targets, weapons ready if US launches new attack, Fars news says

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF