![Syrian Democratic Forces and U.S. Soldiers met with local business leaders near Hasakah, Syria, June 8, 2020.](https://archetype-air-force-times-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/IXEJVXZW3RAJLPG3NL6JWYFFXM.jpg?auth=20c39a16ef9827ac765e448587a511b4336463855a783e078e359e43dd763903&width=5064&height=3466)
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![Syrian Democratic Forces and U.S. Soldiers met with local business leaders near Hasakah, Syria, June 8, 2020.](https://archetype-air-force-times-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/IXEJVXZW3RAJLPG3NL6JWYFFXM.jpg?auth=20c39a16ef9827ac765e448587a511b4336463855a783e078e359e43dd763903&width=5064&height=3466)
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US Navy jets sent to base in Middle East to bolster Israel defense
Around a dozen F/A-18 Super Hornets were sent to an undisclosed location to help defend Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxies.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
Biden to host Iraq’s leader as Mideast tensions soar
President Joe Biden is set to host Iraq's leader as tensions across the Middle East soar over the war in Gaza and Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel.
US forces help Israel repel Iranian drone, missile attack
Saturday's attack was Iran's first-ever direct assault on Israel.
More US troops, equipment headed to Middle East amid Iranian threats
The Pentagon is sending more troops and equipment to the Middle East in anticipation of a possible Iranian attack on Israel.
US gives Ukraine seized Iranian weapons that were headed to Houthis
The U.S. has once again sent weapons to Ukraine seized from an Iranian group that attempted to smuggle the munitions to Yemen’s Houthi militants.
US braces for retaliation after attack on Iran consulate
Shortly after a strike widely attributed to Israel destroyed an Iranian consulate in Syria, the U.S. had a message for Iran: We had nothing to do with it.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
Central Command’s Kurilla eyes drone-countering lasers for Middle East
At least 31 directed-energy initiatives are underway across the U.S. Department of Defense. Some are more mature than others.
Yemen’s Houthis can still fight despite US-led airstrikes
The Iran-backed Houthis claimed to have shot down a U.S. drone Tuesday.
By Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press