ISRAEL DEFENSE FUNDING
US midterm elections: Trump asks ‘Why should we suffer the slings from lunatics like El-Sayed?’ while announcing end to $4 billion Israel aid
US President Donald Trump brought up Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed while announcing plans to end billions of dollars in annual military aid to Israel. The remarks, made on Election Day, have drawn attention to the role of Israel policy in the 2026 US midterm elections and the Michigan Senate race.
Trump says US will stop $4 billion military aid to Israel at end of 2026
US President Donald Trump said Washington would end its annual $4 billion military aid to Israel after 2026 under an agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump said Israel no longer needed the funding, while adding that the US would continue to provide assistance if the country required it.
Who sent $2 bn military equipment to Iran past US blockade? More than 5,000 agencies
Iran has developed a clandestine network involving over 5,000 agencies to import military equipment and evade sanctions. This network functions despite ongoing US naval blockades and sanctions since the war began. Extensive investigations reveal significant transactions and military logistics supporting their activities. The secretive agencies have been linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and elite controlled businesses.
Saudi Arabia offered Houthis $1 billion in Iran-brokered ceasefire deal: Israeli media
Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered USD 1 billion to Yemen’s Houthi group through an Iran-brokered arrangement to secure a ceasefire and halt attacks on the kingdom, according to Israeli media reports citing Gulf diplomatic sources. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman reportedly travelled to Tehran for talks involving Iranian and regional officials. However, the alleged financial transfer has not been independently confirmed, and a Saudi official did not confirm that any money had been transferred.
Four ways US foreign policy could change if Democrats win in November
Nonpartisan analysts predict that Democrats could gain control of the US House and possibly the Senate. If successful, they could restrict President Trump's foreign policy actions regarding Iran and Ukraine and other nations. Democrats may seek to limit significant military aid to Israel and raise issues surrounding military spending. Many Democratic lawmakers are unhappy with Trump's budget choices and foreign aid cuts.
Gas prices in US hit $4.29 nationwide as California, Hawaii pay over $5; October on track for record
Gas prices have climbed above $4 per gallon nationwide as the Iran war disrupts global oil supplies, putting October on track to become the most expensive October ever for US drivers. The national average reached $4.29 on October 23, while drivers in California, Hawaii, Nevada and Washington are paying an average of at least $5 per gallon.
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Trump invokes Cold War-era Defense Production Act for oil production, refining
US President Donald Trump has determined that petroleum production and refining are essential for national defense. This decision allows potential funding for fossil fuel projects under the Defense Production Act. Rising crude oil and diesel prices have become a concern following recent conflicts involving the US and Iran. Additionally, the memo highlights issues like financing and infrastructure bottlenecks impacting energy service provision.
Iran asks US to prove it wants peace by lifting blockade
"Iran is prepared to give diplomacy another chance if we see strong evidence of a sincere desire on the part of the US to achieve a just and honourable solution to permanently end this conflict," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in an op-ed in the Financial Times.
Mohammed bin Salman faces most consequential test yet as Saudi Arabia comes under Houthi fire
Mohammed bin Salman is currently grappling with increasing Houthi attacks that threaten Saudi infrastructure and international stability. The Crown Prince's appeals for support from the United States have not succeeded in securing intervention. Increased tensions have led to major airlines suspending flights to Saudi Arabia, impacting travel plans. Efforts to forge alliances with Pakistan and Turkey have yielded limited results in countering the Houthi threat.
Donald Trump's son-in-law, Ivanka Trump husband Jared Kushner is being sued ahead of November 3 US midterm elections 2026, envoy role under scanner
Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump were formal government employees during the first Trump administration and filed the appropriate financial disclosures, although neither took a salary.
There wasn’t much to Xi: A red carpet, a fragile truce and the search for US-China stability
During Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington, leaders announced modest tariff cuts and a new dialogue on AI safety. The ongoing US-Iran war significantly affects the strategic relationship between the two powers. A report highlights the US's dependence on Chinese rare earths for military needs amid supply challenges. Strategic stability efforts were explored but ultimately did not yield significant progress toward a lasting agreement.
Why Japanese monks are turning to stocks, US treasuries and real estate
Japanese Buddhist temples are turning to financial markets as a solution to their rising maintenance expenses. With fewer members and reduced income from funeral services, these spiritual institutions are now exploring investments in stocks and bonds to generate necessary funds. This evolution highlights their struggle to preserve religious integrity while ensuring fiscal sustainability.
Operation Epic Fury: IG report reveals $33B war costs, loss of multiple F-15E Strike Eagles, and diplomatic strain
Months of bombing and missile attacks on Iran are yet to yield any substantive gains to the US. While President Donald Trump has on several occasions claimed that the American military is winning the war, Iran has time and again bounced back to hit US bases in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic chokepoint, hitting the crude trade and world economy.
Silicon Valley-backed Covenant unveils low-cost, mass-producible cruise missile
Covenant has launched a new heavy-payload cruise missile, Anthem, aimed at revolutionizing warfare strategies. This cutting-edge missile focuses on rapid and economical mass production for extensive use in battlegrounds. With an ambitious timeline to equip the U.S. Army by 2027, Covenant has garnered substantial financial backing and is ramping up its production resources to meet this goal.
Trump used to say he saw a quick end to his Iran war. Six months later, he claims he's in no hurry
President Trump faces criticism as the six-month war against Iran continues unexpectedly. The administration now focuses on economic pressure and sanctions to achieve its goals. This strategy shift comes amid concerns about diminished military stockpiles and global readiness. Iran, though battered, has shown resilience and adapted to sanctions over decades. Trump must now decide the extent of economic measures against Iran's trade partners.
After six months of Iran war, US goals have shifted. The Strait of Hormuz is now a top concern
Six months after its start, the US war with Iran shows no clear end in sight. Original objectives have shifted, and some key goals remain unfulfilled. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, has been largely closed since the war began. While US forces achieved tactical successes, Iran's nuclear program and proxy groups are still concerns.
Fire in the belly: Defence industry must move from 'Make in India' to 'Own in India'
Amidst ongoing discussions in Indian defense, leaders emphasize the importance of fostering indigenous intellectual property and scalable production capabilities. The sector is eager to play a larger role in sophisticated weaponry while enhancing export opportunities. Private enterprises are showcasing their proficiency in intricate systems, aiming to reduce reliance on imports.
Beneath the Iron Dome, Iran tests Israel's deterrence
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel highlights Israel's reliance on its air defense systems, particularly against ballistic missiles. While initially successful, the high cost and rapid depletion of interceptors, like the Arrow system, raise concerns about long-term sustainability. Israel may need to shift to offensive strategies or rely heavily on US resupply to counter Iran's missile capabilities.
US will send THAAD missile defense system and troops to run it to Israel to aid defense against Iran
The U.S. is planning to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel to enhance its air defenses amid escalating tensions with Iran. This move follows Iran's missile attacks on Israel and ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The deployment underscores America's commitment to Israel's security.
Joe Biden warns Israel: US will withhold weapons if it invades Rafah
President Joe Biden has warned Israel that the U.S. will halt weapon supplies if Israeli forces launch a major invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. This warning marks Biden's strongest stance yet against an Israeli assault on Rafah, highlighting a growing rift between the U.S. and Israel. The U.S. has paused a shipment of heavy bombs destined for Israel, expressing concern over civilian casualties in Gaza. Despite this, the U.S. will continue providing defensive weapons, such as the Iron Dome system, to Israel.
What military support does the US provide to Israel?
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has sparked calls for the U.S. to impose conditions on its significant military aid to Israel, the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid since World War II. The U.S. provides Israel with advanced weaponry, including the F-35 fighter jet and missile defense systems like Iron Dome and David's Sling. President Biden sought additional funding for Israel's campaign against Hamas, but the proposal faces resistance in Congress over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza.
Son of Hamas founder urges U.S. diplomatic pressure on Egypt to open borders for civilians
As reported by Fox News, Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a prominent Hamas founder, has urged the U.S. to pressure Egypt into opening its borders, providing a safe route for Gazans seeking refuge from the Israel-Hamas conflict. Yousef, who had previously defected from Hamas and worked as a spy for Israel, highlighted the urgent need to allow civilians to evacuate Gaza, emphasizing the potential role of the United States in influencing Egypt.
US pushes UN to back Israel self-defense, demand Iran to stop arms supply to Hamas
The US has proposed a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, stating Israel's right to self-defense and calling on Iran to stop exporting arms to militias and terrorist groups in the region. The resolution emphasizes the protection of civilians and the delivery of aid to Gaza. The US vetoed a previous resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the conflict and justified the veto by stating the need for diplomacy on the ground.
Israel tests new cheaper laser-based missile defense system amid Hamas rocket attacks
Israel is testing a new laser-based missile defense system called 'Iron Beam' to address concerns about missile stockpiles and the costs associated with the Iron Dome system. The Iron Beam offers advantages such as lower costs per shot, unlimited firings, reduced operational costs, and less manpower. It operates by using a fiber laser to generate a laser beam that can destroy airborne targets.
US House approves $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system
"Assistance to Israel is vital, because Israel's security is an imperative for America's security," Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the House Democrats said.
No 'provoking': Israeli official vows quieter tone with United States
Benny Gantz told reporters before a meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Iran's nuclear program and other actions were an "existential threat" to Israel. "Stopping Iran is certainly a shared strategic need of the United States," Israel and other countries, Gantz said.
Senator Lindsey Graham expects United States to send more funds for Israel's 'Iron Dome'
A senior Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Graham met with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz during a trip to Israel. The committee oversees spending including foreign military aid.
Barack Obama signs bill granting $225 million to Israel for Iron Dome
Obama signed a bill granting an additional $225 million to Israel for the procurement of the Iron Dome missile defense system to counter short-range rocket threats.
Pentagon seeks $15.2 bn fighter jet sale to Israel
The Defense Department said Tuesday that it wants to sell up to 75 fighter jets to Israel in a $15.2 billion deal for the aircraft expected to be the mainstay of air power in the U.S. and several other nations for decades.
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