Latest "Middle East" stories

Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the head of U.S. Air Force Central, speaks at a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

US Air Force general in Mideast worried over Russia-Iran ‘cooperation’

Iran's supplying of bomb-carrying drones to Russia could see Moscow help Tehran's program become more lethal, Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said.

By Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press

12 days ago

The amphibious assault ship Bataan conducts routine operations in the Atlantic Ocean on July 13, 2023, during deployment.

US sending more Navy ships, Marines to Gulf to counter Iran

The deployment is the latest move to increase security in the region in the wake of Iranian attempts to seize commercial ships there.

By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press

2 months ago

US sending F-16 fighter jets to protect ships from Iranian seizures

A senior defense official says the U.S. is beefing up its use of fighter jets around the strategic Strait of Hormuz to protect ships from Iranian seizures.

By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press

3 months ago

Egypt ties an ‘essential pillar’ in region, Austin says

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cairo on the latest leg of his Middle East tour.

7 months ago

Chinese balloons spotted over Mideast posed no threat, three-star says

Air Forces Central boss Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said the balloons haven't encroached on "sensitive" U.S. sites in the Middle East.

By Rachel S. Cohen

8 months ago

US commander: Al-Qaida numbers in Afghanistan up ‘slightly’

Al-Qaida is among numerous extremist groups inside Afghanistan.

By Robert Burns, The Associated Press and Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press

22 months ago