Middle East Crisis
News, analysis, and background on the Israel-Hamas war and regional conflict between Israel and Iran and its proxies.
As the War in Gaza Winds Down, the West Bank Is a Flash Point
If Trump wants peace, he must block Israel’s annexationist policies.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Is Not as Successful as You Think
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the Gaza deal proves Trump’s diplomatic chops.
One Question Looming Over the Gaza Deal: Why Now?
An outline of the agreement had been on the table for months.
Doctor in Gaza Says Cease-Fire Brings Hope but Challenges Remain
An MSF doctor talks about the dire needs in Gaza as the cease-fire begins.
Israel-Hamas War
What We Can Learn From Trump’s Success in Gaza
In diplomacy, style now matters just as much as substance.
Two Ways Oct. 7 Changed Israel and One Way It Didn’t
The impact will be felt for years, even if Trump’s peace plan succeeds.
Can Palestinians Trust Donald Trump?
Only U.S. pressure will ensure that Israel honors the Gaza cease-fire.
Two Years After Oct. 7, a Trail of What-Ifs
Decisions made early on set the path for a devastating war.
Iran-Israel Tensions
There’s More Than One Way to Build a Bomb
Iran doesn’t need to rebuild its damaged facilities to sprint for a nuclear weapon.
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.
The Next Israel-Iran War Is Coming
Both countries’ strategic calculus suggests it will be even more violent.
Israel and Hezbollah
Hezbollah Is Weak Enough for Lebanon to Finally Disarm It
The government and army are taking back their own country.
Lebanon’s Demining Mission Faces Aid Uncertainty
Cuts to foreign assistance and a fragile cease-fire have made the urgent work more dangerous.
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.
Hezbollah Is Trying to Spin Loss as Victory
Assad’s fall and Israel’s offensive give Lebanese a chance to reclaim their country.
Regional Dynamics
America’s Accidental New Military Ally
The Trump administration has made an unprecedentedly sloppy security guarantee to Qatar.
Ankara’s New Syrian Headache
Toppling Assad didn’t solve Turkey’s problems—it made them worse.
How Israel’s Strikes on the Houthis Will Change Yemen
For years, the group has relied on the perception that it is untouchable.
Buying the Hatchet
How arms deals are helping Sharaa to make up with Moscow.
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.
How Washington’s Israel-Palestine Peace Process Theology Failed Again and Again
Trump’s plan is just the latest example.
Latest Stories
Iran Launches Reprisal Attack on U.S. Base in Qatar
Tehran fired at least six missiles toward Qatar, which is home to the United States’ Al Udeid Air Base.
How to Fix the Cracks in the Nuclear Dam
The crisis in the Middle East shows why the world must repair Trump’s damage to the nonproliferation landscape.
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?
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.