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Middle East

The latest Middle East news, analysis and OSINT reporting, covering conflict, diplomacy, energy, security, politics and major regional developments. Stay informed on the stories shaping the Gulf, the Levant, North Africa and surrounding areas.

A strike on the Levan refinery in Iran

BDA: Strike on Iran’s Levan Island refinery

A strike on Iran’s Lavan Island refinery destroyed five oil storage tanks in early April, according to satellite imagery reviewed by Faytuks Network, hitting a Persian Gulf energy site as the war around Iran widened beyond its opening U.S.-Israeli phase. The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company said the refinery was targeted at around 10 a.m. local time on April 8 in what it called an “enemy attack,”. The

Satellite images show IDF airstrip built on dry lakebed in Iraq

Satellite imagery reviewed by Faytuks Network analysts shows what appears to be a temporary military site near al-Nukhayb in Iraq’s Anbar province, established around March 1 or 2 and used as a forward arming and refueling point for operations against Iran.

Renewed Attacks in the Middle East

Update: May 7 – Attacks on Iran have resumed today, after the IRGC Navy targeted US Destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The US then retaliated against targets inside Iran. Officials still claim the ceasefire remains in effect. Follow below for continuing coverage. Original Story: After a brief pause in fighting, Iranian missiles descended down onto the UAE, targeting the Petroleum Industrial site in Fujairah causing potential material damage. This

Syria targets ‘Hezbollah’ terror cell in security operation

On Tuesday, Syria’s Ministry of Interior (MoI), working in coordination with the country’s General Intelligence Service, announced that security forces had uncovered a major Hezbollah-affiliated terror cell and thwarted an alleged plot aimed at destabilizing Syria. In a statement, the Syrian Ministry of Interior (MoI) revealed the operation was pre-emptive in anticipation of an imminent series of planned assassinations targeting high ranking government officials. Security forces seized RPG rockets, automatic
Bedouin families leaving the city of Suwayda.

Extortion and Factionalism in Syria: April in Hijri’s Suwayda

Suwayda’s fragile security order is under mounting pressure as Damascus exploits administrative leverage, armed factions deepen internal fractures and Jordanian strikes expose the governorate’s growing narcotics crisis. The attacks on National Guard-linked commanders raise new questions over Hikmat al-Hijri’s ability to maintain control while resisting Damascus and containing violence from within.
Faytuks Network Battle Damage Assessment of Prince Sultan Air Base. Image: EOS SAT /Faytuks Network Intelligence, taken on April 21, 2026

BDA: Satellite image shows Prince Sultan Air Base active and operational after Iranian strikes

Faytuks Intel battle damage assessment of Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-35I Adir stealth multi-role fighter jet

Exclusive: Israeli pilots told to prepare for longer hours

THE MIDDLE EAST, Apr. 21 – Multiple Israeli Air Force pilots have been told to prepare for “longer working hours” if fighting with Iran breaks out again, according to exclusive information obtained by Faytuks News, a sign that Israeli planners assess renewed confict as the current ceasefire’s expiration draws closer. The guidance, relayed to pilots in recent days, underscored a sense of urgency, with some saying they do not know
Missile interception fragments of an Iranian missile hit Haifa oil refineries in Haifa Bay, March, 19 2026. The strike caused temporary power outages after hitting a high-voltage line. Smoke was visible in the area. Photographed from the city of Nesher.

Iran Missile and Drone Attacks: Full List of Targets and Number Launched

Iran launched thousands of missiles and drones across the Middle East during the first phase of its war with the United States. Here is the full list of targets and the number of weapons launched.

Italy’s PM Meloni suspends defense agreement with Israel

Italy is halting renewal of its defense pact with Israel as diplomatic tensions rise and domestic political pressure grows.

Call for Peace: What Does the Two-Week Ceasefire Entail for the Region?

Following over a month of escalating hostilities, Washington and Tehran agreed to a Pakistan-brokered, two-week ceasefire on April 8. This pause in the conflict presents a major opportunity to re-establish diplomatic channels between the two governments, enabling the possibility of ever reaching a bilateral agreement beneficial to both sides. However, the final outcome rests entirely on the actions of the involved actors.

Unemerged Threat: The Houthi Position in the U.S.-Iran Equation

Last Saturday, Yemeni Houthi forces carried out a ballistic missile strike against Israel, triggering sirens over Beersheba and surrounding towns, entering the equation after declaring their firm support for the Islamic Republic.

The Hormuz Dilemma

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and carrying approximately one-fifth of global seaborne oil and significant LNG volumes has been effectively closed since early March 2026 amid the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran (initiated 28 February 2026). Iran declared the waterway closed to vessels linked to the US, Israel and allies, with 21+ confirmed attacks on merchant ships and
Khosro Heyratnegari, Kharg Island

U.S. Strikes Target Iran’s Kharg Island

On Friday, U.S. forces struck over 90 targets designated as military infrastructure belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The strikes destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile bunkers, various air defense systems, and other strategic points of interest while keeping the oil infrastructure on the island intact.

Iran Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as New Supreme Leader Amid Ongoing War with US and Israel

Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the Islamic Republic’s third Supreme Leader. The announcement, broadcasted on state television early Monday local time, marks the first hereditary transfer of power since the 1979 revolution and comes as the country reels from the devastating US-Israeli military campaign, resulting in the death of his father. Mojtaba Khamenei, a low profile cleric
Faytuks Intel® Battle Damage Assessment

Faytuks Network Exclusive: Battle Damage assesment on NSA BAHRAIN

Battle Damage Assessment: Iranian Missile and Drone Strikes on NSA Bahrain (U.S. Fifth Fleet Headquarters) On February 28 2026, Iran launched a major retaliatory operation codenamed “Truthful Promise 4” following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, leading to the then Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being assassinated. One of the primary targets was “NSA Bahrain”, the forward headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Multiple waves of ballistic missiles, cruise

Iran’s fate: A Messy War – Stalemate or Forced Conclusion?

As of March 7, 2026, Iran’s fate is no longer a question of “next messy war or conclusion”—the messy war is actively unfolding. On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated large-scale airstrikes (U.S. Operation Epic Fury; Israeli Operation Roaring Lion) against Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, air defenses, naval assets, government buildings in Tehran, and leadership compounds. This has already killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah

After the Dust Settles: What Lies Ahead for Iran

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was eliminated during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Tehran. His death marks a new chapter in Iranian history, one where the regime's nuclear threat is no longer a reality.
countries affected by iran

Middle East war spreads: multiple countries targeted by Iran

As the war in the Middle East continues to spread, in the last 24 hours, drones and missiles have targeted both Türkiye and Azerbaijan, with 3 drones originating from Iran hitting locations within the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, injuring two according to reports from officials. Azerbaijan in their official statement clarified their “right to take appropriate actions”, with them also summoning the Iranian ambassador in result of the strikes. In a
Ali Khamenei dead

Iranian Supreme leader, Ali Khamenei killed in military strikes confirmed by state media

Iranian state television has confirmed the death of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. This is alongside Israeli assessment earlier presenting the fact that strikes likely succeeded in assassinating him. Earlier, Israeli and United States forces conducted an aerial operation against several key Iranian figures, in attempts to assassinate. Within this, Khamenei’s residency was targeted by multiple missiles. The death of Khamenei demonstrates the intents of regime change with this operation,

US-Iran Talks: Full Efforts for Peace or Delaying the inevitable?

The second round of indirect high-stakes nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran wrapped up in Geneva on Thursday with the Omani mediator hailing “significant progress,” but no breakthrough deal emerged. Technical discussions are now scheduled for next week in Vienna, even as the Trump administration maintains a firm stance on Iran’s uranium enrichment program and sanctions relief. The diplomatic momentum is tempered by aggressive US military posturing across

U.S. Authorizes Departure of Non-Emergency Embassy Staff From Israel

Jerusalem, February 27, 2026: The U.S. Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from U.S. Mission Israel due to rising safety risks, according to an updated travel advisory issued Friday.

Where exactly are Iranian Su-35s?

Amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, and months after reports first emerged of a multi-billion dollar deal between Iran and Russia for advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, the anticipated warplanes have yet to appear on Iranian airbases, fueling uncertainty over the deal’s status and its implications. Leaked Russian defense documents suggested Tehran had agreed to purchase up to 48 Su-35s in a contract worth roughly €7 billion, a move

Japan, Germany and Poland Urge Nationals to Evacuate Iran ‘Immediately’

Japan and Germany have issued urgent travel advisories. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged all citizens to leave immediately, warning that 'in a few hours, there may be no more possibility to evacuate Poles from Iran.

Trump signals deadline to Iran for a deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has established a new 10-15 day deadline for Iran to agree to a “meaningful” concession on Washington’s demands or face serious consequences. On Thursday, speaking with reporters aboard Airforce one, he said “I would think that would be ‌enough time, 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum.” After the ending of indirect negotiations in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear enrichment, ballistic program and proxy affiliation, Trump warned that
F15e in the air

United States positions military assets for a potential strike against Iran

Significant movement of tankers, jets and further cargo has taken place, entering the Middle East region as the United States prepares for a campaign against the Iranian regime. In the last 72 hours, the influx of tankers and jets has significantly increased, with F35s, F22s, F15s, F16s, AWACS (Airborne Early Warning System) and other critical platforms being recorded entering the area. In addition to these, air-to-air refuelers such as the

Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s ‘Nuclear’ Option

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is striking a harder tone. During drills cited by Tasnim News Agency, a Guard naval commander said the force could be ordered to close the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would jolt global energy markets.
Iranian Fateh-110 missile being fired - Iranian state media

Iran’s options for retaliation: bluff or not

As conflict continues to loom between Iran and the United States, Tehran is facing an increasingly acute military situation. Iran posses a large and comprehensive missile and drone force capable of reaching all United States military bases in the region in addition to Israel. As seen in the 12-day war, Tehran has the largest arsenal of ballistic missiles in the region. This ability was demonstrated with multiple strikes through the

Echoes of Repression: The Regime’s War on Its Own People

In the wake of a deep economic crisis, Iran has been caught up in a spiral of ruthless crackdowns spearheaded by the nation’s security apparatus. The move comes amidst accusations of foreign involvement, labelling the anti-government protests as an orchestrated effort to spark unrest within the borders of the country. Consequently, the streets of Iran have shaken with unprecedented state violence designed to silence opposing voices, claiming the lives of

LIVEIranian protests

Follow along for the latest updates on the protests in Iran. Over the past year, Iranian regime forces have allegedly killed several thousand protesters and civilians. We’ll continue posting the latest developments from inside Iran as they emerge.
Steve Witkoff meeting Israeli hostage families

Iran-US talks to be held in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday

Steve Witkoff meeting with hostage families in Tel Aviv, early 2025. United States diplomats will meet with Iranian officials in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss relationships in hope to avoid a greater conflict. Reuters reports Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be present, with members from Oman taking part for mediation efforts. This new schedule comes after a week since the first talks were held in Oman, where no formal
USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78)

US deploys second carrier strike group

As military intervention with Iran looms, Washington has indicated that the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford will take place, leaving the Caribbean and heading to an area situated around the Middle East. This comes a month after Ford’s role in Operation Absolute Resolve, which led to the capture of then-sitting Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest and most advanced currently afloat, will also

Mapping the ongoing protests in Iran (UPDATED)

Red: protests before 01/01/2026 Orange: protests starting on 01/01/2026

Centcom says U.S. and partner raids in Syria removed nearly 25 ISIS operatives after the major Dec. 19 strike

U.S. Central Command says U.S. and partner forces killed or captured nearly 25 ISIS operatives in Syria in the days after a large-scale Dec. 19 strike, describing the activity as part of a sustained effort to disrupt the group’s networks and prevent it from rebuilding. In a statement released from Tampa, Florida, Centcom said follow-on operations ran from Dec. 20 to Dec. 29 and included 11 missions across Syria. The
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