Middle East

Command decisions: CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper's ups and downs in shaping Trump's war on Iran

MILITARY AFFAIRS: New revelations on Iran's Hormuz blockade, Cooper's secret call to Zamir, US base vulnerabilities, missile threats, and CENTCOM's influence on the war's strategic goals.

OCTOBER 9, 2026|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

US CENTRAL COMMAND chief Adm. Brad Cooper has played a pivotal role in shaping American military strategy toward Iran and the wider Middle East. Here, he testifies before lawmakers in Washington in May.

Hamas members look on as they escort members of the Red Cross towards an area within the yellow line, in Gaza City, November 12, 2025.

Attacks against Saudi airport kill three, PM staff accused of fudging Oct. 7 records

Hamas believes Israel's destruction is still possible, official warns • Israel assassinated Iran's navy chief, • Trump: No strikes on Iran before midterms in November

OCTOBER 9, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Posters featuring portraits of the late Alireza Tangsiri and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are held by attendees of a funeral procession for IRGC Navy Chief Alireza Tangsiri, alongside other senior naval commanders and their families who were killed in US-Israeli strikes in late March, on April 1, 2026.

Israel assassinated Iran's navy chief over fears he could lead a more dangerous IRGC - exclusive

Israeli officials viewed Alireza Tangsiri as a highly creative and resourceful commander, fearing he could become a more formidable IRGC chief than Ahmad Vahidi, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

OCTOBER 8, 2026|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

Houthi supporters gather in solidarity with the movement as fighting escalates across several fronts, in Sanaa, Yemen, October 7, 2026. Houthi supporters gather in solidarity with the movement as fighting escalates across several fronts, in Sanaa, Yemen, October 7, 2026.

Houthis abduct, indoctrinate kids to believe they are fighting Jews, Yemeni journalist tells 'Post'

A said the Israel-Hamas War had been a “good excuse to recruit,” with videos of the war in Gaza regularly played to children to incite them against Israel.

OCTOBER 8, 2026|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

IDF targets Yahya Sinwar's successor in Gaza strike, kills two PIJ commanders in Gaza City

Trump reportedly discusses next steps of war at secret Camp David meeting • US pushes for pressure on Iran • Yemen claims 20 strikes carried out on Houthis

OCTOBER 3, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Smoke and flames rise from a house during an Israeli strike, carried out after the IDF warned residents to evacuate the area, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, September 9, 2026.

'Switzerland of the Middle East': What is Oman’s relationship with Israel, if any?

Oman has emerged as a key player in recent months after long serving as a central mediator between Washington and Tehran.

OCTOBER 3, 2026ByTOMER ALMAGOR / JTA

The Al Jalali Fort in Muscat, Oman, on Dec. 2, 2025.

Flydubai co-pilot was banned from flying in Oman after showing 'radical ideological views' - report

The report follows comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the attempted hijacking, saying that the hijacker underwent radical Islamist indoctrination and was clearly suicidal.

OCTOBER 2, 2026ByAARON GLICK

A flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft prepares for landing at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Lod on September 30, 2026.

Pakistan says Mecca pact members to hold emergency talks on engaging Houthis

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are set to decide next steps for engaging Yemen's Houthis politically following increased attacks by the Iran-backed group.

OCTOBER 2, 2026ByREUTERS

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Ishaq Dar attends a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss stability in the region following an interim deal between the U.S. and Iran, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt June 21, 2026.

Flydubai saga captures Israel’s role in a new Middle East - and its old limits

DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS: From Netanyahu’s UAE visit to the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, a dramatic week reveals the possibilities and limits of regional cooperation.

OCTOBER 2, 2026ByHERB KEINON

Travelers board a FlyDubai aircraft at Ben Gurion International Airport after a separate FlyDubai flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel, September 30, 2026.

One injured in Saudi Arabia from missile shrapnel as US reportedly builds up forces in region

Yemen claims 20 strikes carried out on Houthis • Crude oil tanker struck by unknown projectile off Oman, UKMTO says • US deploys third aircraft carrier to Middle East

OCTOBER 2, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Large plume of black smoke rises from the fuel storage area at King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 19, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone.

USS Roosevelt, Marines set to deploy to Mideast ahead of midterm elections, US official to 'Post'

The move means that, until the US midterm elections, President Donald Trump will have significantly greater military capabilities and a wider range of options for potential action against Iran.

OCTOBER 1, 2026ByAMICHAI STEIN, IDAN KWELLER

The USS Theodore Roosevelt from the bay doors of a V-22 Osprey after taking off during a Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercise in waters south of the Hawaiian Islands, U.S., July 13, 2026.

Ben-Gvir to demand extradition of flydubai pilot to Israel after attempted terror hijacking

"Our security doctrine must be clear: Anyone who tries to murder or harm Israelis, the State of Israel will pursue them and settle the score with them anywhere in the world," he said.

OCTOBER 1, 2026BySHIR PERETS, KESHET NEEV