Middle East

Largest aircraft carrier in the world sent by US to Middle East as Iran talks continue

This comes after reports that the USS George H.W. Bush would deploy to the region.

|ByTZVI JASPER
AMERICAN AIRCRAFT Carrier USS Gerald Ford arrives, on November 14, 2022 in Gosport, England.
A 3D-printed miniature model of Donald Trump and the U.S. and Iran flags are seen in this illustration taken January 15, 2025.

Editor's Notes: Iran's threats to America: Why 'America First' must address the IRGC - comment

The US must address Iran’s ongoing aggression. An "America First" policy should target Iran's IRGC and disrupt its global operations to protect American interests.

|ByZVIKA KLEIN
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the press ahead of his departure from the US on February 12, 2026.

Netanyahu after Trump meeting: US conditions for Iran must include nuclear weapons, MidEast proxies

He said that although he remains skeptical of any deal with Iran, Trump believes that the conditions for Tehran "may lead them to accept terms that would allow for a good deal."

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
US military vehicles drive in Hasaka, Syria December 6, 2024; illustrative.

Will US withdrawal from Tanf in Syria affect region? - analysis

Will a reduction in US forces in the area lead to a power vacuum? Is the new Syrian army prepared to assume the security responsibilities necessary in the desert area where Tanf is located?

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Iran rushes to protect Natanz, its most crucial nuclear site, from potential US strike

Tehran may have used the delay in the US's potential strike to make the beneath-mountain facility nearly untouchable.

FEBRUARY 12, 2026ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
A satellite image shows airstrike craters covered with dirt at the Natanz Enrichment Facility, following US airstrikes, in Natanz County, Iran, June 24, 2025

Iraq nears end of US-led ISIS prisoner relocation as thousands are transfered from Syria

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces gave up control of most of eastern Syria, including around 30 ISIS detention facilities, to the Syrian government in January.

FEBRUARY 12, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A soldier in an ISIS uniform prepares ammunition.

Sen. Graham calls Trump 'most consequential' since Ronald Reagan, praises Netanyahu as key partner

Graham praised both leaders' efforts towards a "way forward in the Middle East" following a three-hour White House meeting between the two.

FEBRUARY 12, 2026ByARIELLA ROITMAN
US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks during a US Senate Judiciary Privacy, Technology, and the Law Subcommittee hearing on oversight of telecommunications carriers in the wake of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, February 10, 2026.

Pentagon prepares second aircraft carrier for possible deployment to Middle East - report

US President Donald Trump reposted the Wall Street Journal's report to Truth Social on Thursday. 

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Trump, Netanyahu hold three-hour meeting, set redlines on Iran as Gaza talks continue

Trump also said that "tremendous progress" has been made in Gaza and in Mideast. • Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially joined Gazan Board of Peace.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, AMICHAI STEIN
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 11, 2026.

Iranian officials use Beirut airport to smuggle millions to Hezbollah - report

“The cash shipments come as Hezbollah faces acute financial strain,” Iran International said, adding that the terror group has reportedly been “struggling” to pay its operatives.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Hezbollah supporters attend a ceremony held by Hezbollah to commemorate the first anniversary of their late leader Hassan Nasrallah's killing by Israel, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, September 27, 2025

US-Iran nuclear deal won't protect Israel from missile program, Iranian proxies, expert warns

According to Prof. Amatzia Baram of the University of Haifa, political optics weigh heavily in Washington, making a strong, enforceable nuclear deal the top priority.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByBATYA GILADI, PROF. AMATZIA BARAM
People wave flags next to an Iranian missile on display during the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, February 10, 2025.

Mobile missile launchers used by US in Qatar as Iran tensions rose

The decision to keep the Patriot missiles in mobile trucks rather than semi-static launcher stations means they could rapidly deploy to strike or be moved defensively in case of an Iranian attack

FEBRUARY 10, 2026ByREUTERS
General view of US Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircrafts at al-Udeid Air Base which is housing Afghan refugees, in Doha, Qatar September 7, 2021

IDF brings Syrian child across border into Israel for emergency medical care

The child was brought across the border in an IDF emergency medical vehicle in serious condition, according to United Hatzalah medics who provided emergency medical care at the scene. 

FEBRUARY 10, 2026ByMAYA ZANGER-NADIS
REPRESENTATIVES FROM the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Magen David Adom, and COGAT at the delivery of ambulances at the Syrian border.

Turkey could join nuclear arms race if Iran acquires bomb, Hakan Fidan warns

Turkish FM Hakan Fidan also said that the idea that US or Israeli airstrikes on Iran could lead to regime change was "a pipe dream."

FEBRUARY 10, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and Iranian Foreign Minster Abbas Araghchi (L) hold a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, January 30, 2026.