Middle East Crisis
News, analysis, and background on the Israel-Hamas war and regional conflict between Israel and Iran and its proxies.

Meet the New Middle East, Same as the Old Middle East
Everything has changed in the region, and nothing is different.

Only Trump Can Save Israel from Its Own Government
Netanyahu’s plan to seize Gaza is a catastrophe for all.

What Was the Tipping Point on Gaza?
After almost two years of war, Israel is feeling the growing weight of governmental opprobrium.

The Next Israel-Iran War Is Coming
Both countries’ strategic calculus suggests it will be even more violent.
Israel-Hamas War

Could Images of the Famine in Gaza Change Israeli Public Opinion?
A newscast showing starving children prompted sympathy—and criticism.

Israel Isn’t a Hegemon Yet, But It’s Now a Revisionist Power
Netanyahu is seeking to remake the Middle East by force.

Biden’s Team Lied About Gaza. It’s Time to Hold Them Accountable.
Impunity for abetting war crimes weakens U.S. democracy.

Why Recognizing Palestine Is Meaningless or Even Harmful
Recent announcements by France, Britain, and Canada are mostly performative.
Iran-Israel Tensions

Strikes on Iran Show the Force, and Limits, of Airpower
Technical dominance can’t compel regime change.

Iran’s Collapse Could Cause a Nuclear Security Nightmare
Washington would struggle to secure dangerous materials, technologies, and expertise.

Iran Is Islamism’s Last Lifeline in the Middle East
Without support from a weakened Tehran, the region’s extremist movements would wither.

Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars
No one wants a long war, and doing nothing was no longer an option.
Israel and Hezbollah

Hezbollah Is Trying to Spin Loss as Victory
Assad’s fall and Israel’s offensive give Lebanese a chance to reclaim their country.

Lebanon’s Demining Mission Faces Aid Uncertainty
Cuts to foreign assistance and a fragile cease-fire have made the urgent work more dangerous.

Surprisingly, the Lebanon-Israel Cease-Fire Is Holding
Notwithstanding continued exchanges, the agreement is functioning and appears durable.

Lebanon’s Success Depends on Sidelining Hezbollah
The new government in Beirut is the country’s best chance for reform in years—but support from Washington and Riyadh will be crucial.
Global Reactions

Can a ‘New’ Middle East Survive the ‘Old’?
To achieve regional progress, Arab leaders need to rethink the importance of resolving the Palestine question once and for all.

The Middle East’s Next Aftershocks
The Trump administration will find it hard to disengage from a region still being reshaped by the effects of Oct. 7.

Trump Has Leverage With Syria’s Neighbors—Here’s How He Should Use It
U.S. pressure on Israel and Turkey could help stabilize Syria.

Can the Gulf’s Iran Policy Survive the War?
Israel and the Gulf have rival visions for Iran’s role in the region. Now Washington has to pick one.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Why the Oslo Peace Process Failed
And what it means for future negotiators.

The Palestinian Leader Who Survived the Death of Palestine
What would it mean for Hussein al-Sheikh to lead a people whose dream of independence is no longer alive?

How Will This War End? How Can the Next One be Prevented?
FP asks experts two questions about the fighting between Israelis and Palestinians.

All the Palestinians Got From Oslo Was KFC
Thirty years of the peace process has left us with less land and fewer rights.
Latest Stories

Trump Makes Devastating Strike on U.S. Diplomatic Credibility
The attack on Iran makes it harder to get any adversaries to the table.

Why Trump Changed His Mind on Iran
For months, he seemed to prefer a nuclear deal over military action—until he didn’t.

Why a Wider War With Iran Is Unlikely
The regime is too weak to escalate or dash to a bomb.

World Leaders Urge Restraint Following U.S. Strikes on Iran
Global reactions remain mixed, with many Western and regional powers calling for a return to diplomacy while stopping short of condemning U.S. military involvement.

How Trump Could Lose This War
U.S. strikes were limited, but the campaign against Iran could still get messy.

Trump Warns Iran to Make Peace or Risk Further U.S. Strikes
Read the full text of U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech.

The U.S. Has Bombed Iran’s Nuclear Sites
U.S. President Donald Trump said the attack was “very successful.”

Trump Lacks the Patience for Peace
Why the mercurial president has failed to deliver on his anti-war rhetoric.

The Many Ways U.S. Involvement in the War on Iran Could Go Badly
Trump initially showed caution but now seems to want the credit.

Israel’s Long Road to Regional Dominance
First it humiliated the Arabs, then the Iranians—but Israel still needs Trump.

Intelligence Window Might Have Been a Factor in Timing of Israeli Attack on Iran
Strategic concerns and domestic politics also played a role.

Netanyahu’s Future in the Balance
Can victory over Iran secure the Israeli leader’s legacy?

Democrats Should Reclaim the Anti-War Mantle From Trump
By backing Israel’s attack on Iran, Trump violated his anti-war pledge. Will his opponents take advantage of it?

Does Israel Have an Exit Strategy?
Netanyahu might be bumbling into a war of attrition with Iran.

Israel’s Attacks Make an Iranian Bomb More Likely
Iran’s nuclear program is damaged, but its determination is heightened.

How the Israel-Iran War Might End
Scenarios include an Iranian defeat, an Israeli retreat—or an expanded regional conflict.