The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

On June 22, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a rather muted response to U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. This is partly attributable to the chemistry between President Trump and President Erdogan. But how much does it reflect Ankara’s real views? In the context of the latest war, Turkey is fine with Iran’s nuclear wings being clipped but also alarmed to witness Israel’s military superiority—and worried about potential consequences if the Islamic Republic begins to collapse.

How Turkey Views the Iran-Israel Confrontation Despite long opposing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, Ankara has a strong national security interest in avoiding moves that result in either direct Turkish hostilities with Iran or the collapse of the Islamic Republic.

In August, Security Council members will once again debate renewing UNIFIL's mandate. The Security Council’s mandate renewal discussions this August will boil down to three choices: Extend UNIFIL’s mandate unchanged, forge a “UNIFIL 3.0”, or end the mission, writes Institute expert Assaf Orion.

UNIFIL’s Fork in the Road The time for inertia is over—this summer, Security Council members will have a rare and urgent chance to break the spell of illusory “peacekeeping” and advance a model that actually helps keep the peace between Israel and Lebanon.

Tune in on Thursday at 3pm ET for an expert conversation on the prospects of cooperation between Israel and the new Syrian government.

Pursuing Israel-Syria Detent Post-Assad Join us for an expert conversation examining the prospects of cooperation between Israel and the new Syrian government. Watch live starting at 3:00 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

"The SDF definitely has some power in the negotiation with Sharaa not only in terms of the resources but also because they have a pretty robust military that has been trained by the U.S. and Global Coalition, too," said Institute expert Aaron Zelin.

Watch the new FRONTLINE | PBS documentary:

Syria After Assad (full documentary) | FRONTLINE FRONTLINE examines Syria’s uncertain future, tracing jihadist-turned-statesman Ahmad al-Sharaa’s rise to power and investigating emerging threats to the coun...

On July 3, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack announced that Washington is brokering new border talks between Israel and Syria, with an eye toward fostering economic development post-Assad rather than launching another “failed” U.S. attempt at “nation building.” Join us on Thursday, July 10 at 3pm ET for an expert conversation examining the prospects of cooperation between Israel and the new Syrian government.

Pursuing Israel-Syria Detent Post-Assad Join us for an expert conversation examining the prospects of cooperation between Israel and the new Syrian government. Watch live starting at 3:00 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

"As I reflect on our remarkable exchange in 1996, I can’t help but think that now is Netanyahu’s moment to fulfill his self-image and "do the big stuff,”" writes Amb. Dennis Ross in The Washington Post.

Netanyahu’s Legacy Won’t Be Made on the Battlefield Alone The prime minister has shown historic military resolve, but political courage must come next.

State Department budget cuts, intended to make America “safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” could end up harming U.S. interests, especially in the Middle East. As Benjamin Fishman and Elizabeth Surman explain, the administration would significantly cut back assistance to key partners at a time when the U.S. should take advantage of Iran’s weakened position. In addition, the proposed budget would also cut crucial funding to the LAF and Iraqi security forces.

Here’s How State Department Cuts Would Impede U.S. Policy in the Middle East The Trump administration’s budget cuts, intended to make America “safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” could wind up harming U.S. interests in the region while strengthening Russian and Chinese media warfare.