CENTCOM

Iraq faces renewed security concerns as ISIS detainees are transferred from Syria - analysis

Iraq is taking in thousands of ISIS prisoners from Syria, raising concerns over security in border provinces and testing the country’s ability to contain militant threats.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Syrian security forces take control of Al-Hol camp in the desert region of Hasakeh Province, Syria, on January 21, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addresses the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, February 7, 2026; illustrative.

Trump admin. expects Araghchi to bring 'meaningful substance' to next meeting, sources tell 'Post'

The Trump administration has told Iran it expects meaningful concessions at the next round of talks, as Tehran rules out halting uranium enrichment, sources told The Jerusalem Post.

|ByAMICHAI STEIN
An anti-US banner at the entrance of the abandoned Tehran embassy, February 5, 2026.

Iran ‘playing poker,’ unprepared for regional war, former deputy commander of CENTCOM tells ‘Post’

Former Vice-Admiral Robert Harward tells The Jerusalem Post that Iran's regime is near collapse, citing its weakened state, protests, and failed aggression, with US options for supporting protesters.

|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
An IDF soldier operating in the West Bank, published on February 6, 2026.

IDF conducting scans in Karmei Tzur after infiltration alert sounds, seizes West Bank weapons

The IDF arrested 60 suspects and seized firearms in counterterrorism operations across the West Bank. A terrorist also opened fire on soldiers in Gaza near the Yellow Line.

|ByJAMES GENN, ARIELLA ROITMAN

US withdraws from Iraq’s Ain al-Asad Airbase, maintains presence in Kurdistan region

An initial plan for US withdrawal from the base stipulated that hundreds of troops would leave by September 2025, with the rest departing by the end of 2026.

JANUARY 19, 2026ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
Military vehicles of US soldiers are seen at the al-Asad air base in Anbar province, Iraq, January 13, 2020.

'All options on the table': US boosts presence in Middle East as Iran strike remains possibility

Netanyahu on Sunday convened several ministers within the senior defense echelon to discuss recent developments in the region. Israeli officials believe that a "US strike on Iran is still an option."

JANUARY 18, 2026ByAMICHAI STEIN
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is shown at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, US, August 11, 2025

Egypt joins Jordan, UAE as third Arab country to visit American CMCC base in Kiryat Gat - KAN

The CMCC was established in October 2025 to shift responsibility for managing the ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and planning for the future of the Gaza Strip.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
US, Israeli, and international experts work in groups at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, which opened in mid-October to oversee and support early implementation of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for stabilizing and rehabilitating Gaza.

Kurdish commander calls on US to 'intervene forcefully' in Syria clashes

The head of the YPG warned that only the US or its coalition partners can halt Syria’s advance into Kurdish-held territory, as government forces seize key towns and energy sites.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByREUTERS, JAMES GENN
Members of the Kurdish Internal Security Forces known as "Asayish", and residents rally during a demonstration against the attacks by the Syrian government forces and in support of Kurdish fighters in Qamishli, the main Kurdish city in the country's northeast on January 18, 2026.

Syria's power struggle: Who controls what, and why fighting continues - analysis

For some commentators, the current conflict in Syria boils down to the new Syrian government attacking Kurdish forces. While this is correct in some ways, it is also very simplistic.

JANUARY 18, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A group of civilians carry bags and belongings as they flee following renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces, in Aleppo, Syria, January 7, 2026

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln en route to Middle East as US mulls over Iran strike options

The moves, reported since late Friday, came as US officials and regional militaries coordinated on contingency planning for possible Iranian retaliation.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByAMIR BOHBOT
An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean August 10, 2024

Where are the American bases in the Middle East Iran threatened it might strike? - explainer

Trump warned Iran that if it retaliated against the US, the US would respond at levels “never seen before.”

JANUARY 14, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Qatar Emiri Air Force personnel load aid onto a military cargo plane headed to Syria, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, December 30, 2024.

CENTCOM creates new air, missile defense coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar

CENTCOM announces MEAD-CDOC at Al Udeid Air Base, enhancing regional air defense coordination with partner nations.

JANUARY 13, 2026ByJAMES GENN
French forces pose at COAC, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar; illustrative.

US conducts large-scale strikes on ISIS targets in Syria

The strikes are a continuation of Operation Hawkeye Strike, CENTCOM said, an operation that began in retaliation for an Islamic State attack that killed two US soldiers and one civilian.

JANUARY 10, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS
A US Airman attaches a GBU-31 munitions system to an F-15E Strike Eagle in the US Central Command area of responsibility, December 19, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike as the US military launched large-scale strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria.

US, partner forces kill or capture 25 ISIS operatives in Syria during December ops

At least seven ISIS members were killed, while the rest were captured. The operations also led to the destruction of four ISIS weapons caches.

DECEMBER 30, 2025ByFRAIDY MOSER
A US Army AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter prepares to support Operation Hawkeye Strike in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec 19, 2025.