A recently signed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States has left Israel on the sidelines, prompting concerns about the balance of power in the Middle East. The document, which references Lebanon three times but omits Israel entirely, proposes a framework for resolving Lebanese disputes with the participation of the U.S., Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar.
European security officials have warned that the continent’s current systems for detecting chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats are outdated, citing recent incidents in Poland and London. Meanwhile, Oman has shifted from a trusted mediator to a conduit for circumventing Iranian sanctions, sparking criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The report also notes a decline in Hezbollah’s operational capacity following a 2024 defeat, and highlights Saudi Arabia’s cautious stance in the 2026 conflict, maintaining direct channels with Tehran while avoiding formal war entry.