President Donald Trump
23 stories from Middle East Affairs.
U.S. Space Force marks six years as newest military branch
The U.S. Space Force, established in 2019 as the military's sixth branch, oversees American military operations in orbit and has grown to nearly 14,000 personnel with an expanding budget.
Pentagon conducts polygraph tests on 50 senior military officials
About 50 officers and staff at the U.S. military's Joint Staff underwent polygraph testing in August following news reports on ammunition shortages related to the conflict with Iran.
US pushes expanded arms embargo to choke Sudan conflict
The US ambassador to the UN and a senior Trump adviser say a proposed embargo should cover both sides of Sudan's war and all states and networks supplying them with weapons, without exceptions.
U.S. analysis: Iran willing to absorb costs of prolonged conflict
A New York Times report citing U.S. officials says Iran's leadership believes it can sustain a prolonged confrontation while Iranian civilians bear economic hardship.
Guardian columnist questions whether Trump wants Republicans to lose midterm elections
A Guardian columnist argues Trump's policies on Iran, Canada and data centers may harm Republicans in upcoming elections; a report links U.S. aid cuts to deaths of women and children in Afghanistan; a global trial begins testing preventive Alzheimer's treatment.
Trump calls Iran conflict "small potatoes" despite casualties
President Trump characterized a six-month military conflict with Iran that has killed 18 American service members as "small potatoes."
Trump to use Qatar-gifted aircraft for Ireland trip despite past security concerns
President Trump plans to use a Qatar-provided aircraft for an upcoming trip to Ireland, according to a White House official, despite security concerns that prompted him to switch planes during a Turkey visit two months earlier.
Trump warns of Iran strike as regional tensions escalate
Tensions are mounting across the Middle East as the United States and its allies pursue military and diplomatic responses to recent Iranian actions, while the Pentagon investigates leaks about the conflict.
Trump calls Iran conflict 'small potatoes' as US plays down war
President Trump described an ongoing six-month conflict with Iran as minor for the United States, part of an administration effort to reduce its political impact before November's midterm elections.
Iran says it attacked U.S. bases in Gulf, after reporting American strikes
Iran's military said it attacked U.S. bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait after reporting that American strikes killed nine Iranian service members.
Trump sends envoys to Moscow and Kyiv with peace proposal for Ukraine
President Trump is sending Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv with a proposal to end the war, though details of the plan remain undisclosed.
Trump names policy sparks frustration at US geological survey
Staff at the US Geological Survey expressed frustration after President Trump ordered the renaming of Lake Ontario to Lake America and mused about renaming the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump says US may soon strike Iran nuclear site
President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States may soon strike a heavily fortified Iranian site near the Natanz uranium enrichment facility.
Trump says oil flow through Strait of Hormuz returning to pre-war levels
Trump said oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz has returned to pre-war levels as the U.S. military escorts cargo ships and repels Iranian attacks in the vital waterway.
British newspapers debate Israeli settlements, Sudan's migration crisis, and Trump
British newspapers publish commentary on Israeli settlements policy, Sudan's civil war driving migration, and US-UK relations under Trump.
South Korea considers role in Strait of Hormuz security
South Korea said Friday it is considering a contribution to securing the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating U.S.-Iran clashes, as Tehran launched new strikes on American interests and vowed retaliation for a wedding airstrike.
US election calendar constrains response to Iran conflict
The Trump administration is attempting to contain fighting with Iran until after November midterms, relying on economic pressure rather than military escalation while public opposition to the conflict grows.
Milei Says U.S. May Shift on Falklands, Vows Sanctions on Oil
Argentine President Javier Milei said the U.S. position on the Falkland Islands may be changing and threatened sanctions against oil companies operating in the British territory.
Trump to use Qatar-funded 747 for Ireland trip after July security diversion
Trump will fly to Ireland aboard a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar, marking his first use of the aircraft since he unexpectedly switched planes during a NATO summit in Turkey in July citing security concerns.
Trump's Qatar jet to get security overhaul after Iranian threat
President Donald Trump said a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar for presidential use will undergo extensive security modifications beginning in October, prompted by concerns about its defenses following an Iranian threat.
Trump hints at potential military action against Iran nuclear site
President Trump suggested the United States might attack Iran's fortified nuclear facility near Natanz, characterizing any such conflict as a limited military operation.
Trump declines to discuss CIA involvement in potential Iranian uprising
President Trump said it would be inappropriate to discuss whether he would authorize CIA operations to arm Iranians, a day after calling for the Iranian people to rise up.
Trump renames Lake Ontario to "Lake America," Canada refuses
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Aug. 27 renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, a move Canada rejected, insisting on the 400-year-old name.
