Saudi Arabia possesses a well-equipped air force, based primarily on American-made systems and aircraft. In 2017, during President Donald Trump's first term, an extensive arms deal was signed with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and this deal was further expanded during his recent visit to the region.

Saudi Arabia hasn't officially confirmed involvement in the interceptions and even condemned Israel for launching the offensive against Iran. Israel, the United States and European countries demonstrated close operational cooperation, through which Iran's image as a regional threat was damaged.

The political significance is broad – the very fact that a leading Sunni state, perhaps the most central one, is acting in ways that lead to thwarting Iranian threats even without public declaration indicates a deep regional shift. However, Saudi Arabia emphasized it won't allow use of its airspace for striking targets in Iran.

12-day international coalition

During the 12 days of fighting against Iran, several countries acted to defend the region's skies, including Jordan, which operated mainly through its air force in its airspace; Britain and France, which also operated in the aerial arena; and the United States military, which alongside the IDF was the most active – through aircraft, ships, Patriot and THAAD air defense systems and more.

Iran launched over a thousand drones toward Israel. Most were intercepted far from the border, and a minority were shot down by the Israeli Air Force over Israeli skies. This joint operation wouldn't have been possible without years of exercises and simulations with international partners – including Greece, Italy, France and Britain.

At the center of activity stood US Central Command – CENTCOM – commanded by General Mike Kurilla, who's credited with a significant contribution to the cooperation mechanism that operated here. Since the IDF joined CENTCOM, a well-connected military system has been built and developed, including Israel and European countries like Britain, France, Greece, Italy and Cyprus.

Another significant achievement of this framework is establishing a joint American command and control center, connected in real-time to all involved militaries. Kurilla himself sat in this center during many stages of the fighting, leading coordination between intelligence, warning, activation and interception elements.

Years of preparation

In the IDF, the International Planning Division in the Planning Directorate is responsible for managing relations with CENTCOM and other partner countries. International Planning representatives have a role in every command and corps – ensuring continuous contact with counterparts in foreign militaries. The frequency of dialogue with American commanders has risen dramatically in recent years – from ceremonial conversations every six months to daily dialogue, joint exercises, coordinated flights, and even intelligence cooperation.

The chiefs of staff – the recently retired Chief Herzi Halevi and current Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir – have also maintained close relations with senior commanders in the US military. The US serves not only as a bridge between Israel and regional countries but also as a coordinating factor with Arab countries with which there are no direct relations.

This cooperation was tested not only now but also in previous waves of Iranian attacks on Israel in April and October 2024. Then too, the United States and European countries operated in various arenas – some through interception means, others through location and information sharing. Now, during the 12-day campaign, the operation was much broader in scope.

Jordan, unlike others, publicly acknowledged interception operations and even emphasized that drones fell in its territory causing damage – which required a response. France also explained its participation as defending its interests in Jordan, while avoiding public mention of Israel.

The results that received impressive expression in the current war could form a basis for much larger political moves – perhaps even for the comprehensive regional move that President Trump is planning as part of his "mega-deal" for the Middle East.

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This operation, led by Israel, may have averted a third world war by dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities. Israel's action demonstrated its strategic value to American interests in the Middle East and beyond. No nation, including China or Russia, expressed regret over the blows dealt to the Islamic Republic. This strengthened American deterrence, justifying the celebratory tone Netanyahu and Trump are expected to adopt.

However, the meetings will focus not only on past achievements but also on shaping the region's future. Regarding Iran, the leaders will likely coordinate enforcement policies to prevent the revival of its nuclear program. Trump's statements underscore his role as a strict enforcer: He has taken on the role of the tough cop on the nuclear issue, as he emphasized after the strike on Iran. Yet, questions remain about how Israel and the US will address Iran's potential resumption of missile production, funding of proxy terror groups, or global terrorism – all serious challenges.

Gaza remains a critical issue. As long as the conflict persists, normalization with Saudi Arabia or other Arab states is unlikely. A partial agreement with Syria may be possible, but even that is uncertain. Gaza continues to be a regional obstacle.

Distorted reports in some Israeli media on Tuesday suggested Trump intends to exert "heavy pressure" on Netanyahu to end the war. This is a misrepresentation – Trump was asked how far he would go to push Netanyahu toward a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza. He replied, "very firm; but he wants it too." In other words, the prime minister is as eager as the president to end the conflict, and no rift exists between them on this matter.

Like Netanyahu, Trump and his team have repeatedly stated that Hamas cannot remain in Gaza. Those expecting Trump to demand an immediate halt to the war next week, while Hamas still controls the Strip, are mistaken. Both leaders seek a deal, but it must include ousting Hamas from power in Gaza and disarming it. The organization rejects these demands, making an agreement between Israel and Hamas unlikely.

Moreover, Trump remains committed to the "Gaza Riviera" plan, opposed by the Arab world and, naturally, Hamas. It is thus improbable that Trump will "force Netanyahu to end the war," as some in Israel hope. On the contrary, it was Trump who called for opening the gates of hell on Gaza.

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The Wall Street Journal reported that the streaming service has engaged in discussions with Spotify regarding collaborative ventures on multiple entertainment projects, including a potential music awards ceremony or ongoing live concert programming. Industry sources familiar with these negotiations told The Wall Street Journal that the company has also explored producing high-profile celebrity interview content and rapid-production documentaries designed to capture current events and trending topics.

The entertainment giant is simultaneously reviving the legendary talent competition "Star Search" while maintaining a strong emphasis on musical content, The Wall Street Journal noted. The company plans to launch "Building the Band" next week, with another music-focused competition series currently in development that executives hope to release within the coming months, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.

Households that eliminated cable subscriptions or never subscribed to traditional cable packages increasingly depend on the streaming service as their primary entertainment destination. The platform is strategically working to provide diverse content offerings spanning scripted programming and films to reality television, comedy content, and live broadcasting.

Identifying family-appropriate programming with global appeal remains crucial for the company's development of its advertising-supported subscription option, The Wall Street Journal reported. The service achieved significant success with "Love is Blind," which offered an innovative approach to dating shows, and "Million Dollar Secret," its interpretation of "Survivor," explained Brandon Riegg, vice president of nonfiction series and sports.

Jeff Gaspin, the executive who approved "The Voice" during his tenure at NBCUniversal, is leading the streaming platform's initiative to discover outstanding music competition programming and broaden unscripted content offerings. The self-described pop-culture enthusiast joined the organization in the previous year.

"Building the Band," featuring Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean as host, will showcase musicians competing for band positions. The innovative element involves contestants remaining unseen by each other until rehearsals commence, according to individuals with knowledge of the production. The concept combines elements of "Love Is Blind" with "The Voice."

The streaming service recently revealed plans for a trivia-focused game show featuring Neil Patrick Harris as host, titled "What's in the Box."

Although company executives have contemplated major celebrity interview programming, internal debates have focused on whether audiences would engage with full-length content when highlights would circulate on social media platforms almost immediately, according to people familiar with internal discussions cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The organization is developing a pilot program with Daily Beast, concentrating on rapid-turnaround coverage of trending non-political news stories. Semafor previously reported on the Daily Beast collaboration project.

Gaspin stated he doesn't anticipate the streaming service becoming a comprehensive news programming provider, which the company internally refers to as "information." "You can't cover news and be a news organization occasionally," he explained.

Leadership must also determine appropriate circumstances for producing unscripted programming as live broadcasts. The streaming platform has witnessed certain live events, including its Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing match last fall, generate massive viewership. However, that event experienced technical difficulties, as did a "Love is Blind" reunion special from previous years. The company successfully livestreamed two NFL games during Christmas without encountering problems.

Although "Building the Band" will be available on-demand, the streaming service might broadcast the finale live if a second season is produced, Riegg stated. The "Star Search" revival will enable audience members to participate in live voting.

"We don't want to do live for live's sake," Gaspin said. "If we are going to do live, we should have a reason."

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Israel Hayom provided comprehensive coverage of these developments in recent days. The critical modification in Israel's position centers on incorporating explicit American guarantees within the agreement's text – ensuring the ceasefire will facilitate negotiations toward the war's complete end.

An additional commitment involves expanding humanitarian assistance to Gaza Strip residents. Trump announced these developments through a late-night post on his "Truth" social media platform, confirming Israel's acceptance of terms enabling a two-month ceasefire agreement. He subsequently directed pressure toward Hamas, stating, "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE."

These statements followed Trump's meeting with Minister Ron Dermer, who leads Israel's negotiating team for hostage deal discussions.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is to visit the White House next week, conducted a restricted security consultation Tuesday evening following negotiation progress, with discussions focusing partly on whether to dispatch a negotiating delegation to Cairo.

Egyptian media reported Tuesday that Israeli and Hamas delegations plan to arrive in the capital soon to advance technical negotiations, occurring just days before Netanyahu's scheduled Washington meeting with Trump.

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"No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordo. That being said, what we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged," Araghchi stated during a television interview with CBS News that aired Tuesday. The foreign minister's comments represent a departure from Tehran's typical practice of downplaying attack consequences.

Iranian atomic energy authorities are conducting comprehensive evaluations of the destruction, Araghchi revealed. "The Atomic Energy Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran... is currently undertaking evaluation and assessment, the report of which will be submitted to the government," he explained in the broadcast interview.

Intercepted Iranian communications have minimized the scope of destruction from American strikes against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, The Washington Post reported Sunday, citing four individuals familiar with classified intelligence circulating among US government officials, according to CBS News. President Donald Trump claimed the operations "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear program, though American officials acknowledge that forming a complete damage assessment from the weekend military strikes will require additional time.

Diplomatic leverage strategy

Tehran's president issued a directive Wednesday mandating the suspension of the nation's collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency following US and Israeli aerial bombardments targeting Iran's most critical nuclear installations, potentially further restricting inspectors' capacity to monitor Tehran's atomic program that had been processing uranium to near weapons-grade concentrations, according to AP. President Masoud Pezeshkian's directive, however, contained no specific timelines or details regarding what the suspension would encompass.

Pezeshkian's directive, nonetheless, offered no concrete schedules or specifics about the nature of the suspension. Iran has previously restricted IAEA oversight as a negotiating strategy with Western powers – although Tehran currently denies any immediate plans to restart discussions with the US that were disrupted by the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, AP reported.

Tehran has previously constrained IAEA examinations as a bargaining mechanism in negotiations with Western nations – though presently Iran has rejected any immediate intentions to resume negotiations with Washington that were interrupted by the 12-day Iran-Israel war. Iranian state broadcasting announced Pezeshkian's directive, which followed legislation approved by Iran's parliament to halt that collaboration, according to AP.

The legislation already secured approval from Iran's constitutional oversight body, the Guardian Council, on Thursday, and presumably gained backing from the nation's Supreme National Security Council, which Pezeshkian leads. Iranian state media announced Pezeshkian's order, which came after a bill passed by Iran's parliament to suspend that cooperation, AP reported.

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The core obstacle is Hamas' demand for assurances that the ceasefire will persist beyond the initial 60 days. During talks in Washington, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and envoy Steve Witkoff proposed at least two solutions to resolve this issue, with Israel demonstrating significant openness.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump shared on TRUTH: "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE."

Hamas, in turn, has softened its stance on key issues it once rejected. The terror group agreed to share details on the hostages' status, permit international monitoring of food distribution in its controlled areas, and show flexibility regarding its future role. Yet, talks with senior IDF officials and security experts highlighted fears that the intense pressure on Hamas and its heavy losses could endanger the hostages, driven by anarchy and conflicts with other armed groups and organized clans.

This breakthrough has paved the way for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming Washington visit next week. The trip primarily aims to celebrate the outcome of the war with Iran and align on further actions. Should a ceasefire be declared during the visit, it would bolster Trump's global image as a peacemaker and advance Netanyahu's goals of ending the Gaza conflict and expanding the Abraham Accords.

Still, Gaza's challenges persist. Hamas' push for guarantees that the ceasefire will last until the war's end conflicts with Israel's refusal to accept Hamas' terms – disarmament and exile of its leaders. The current proposal postpones these contentious issues to the 60-day ceasefire negotiation period.

Under the ceasefire, 10 living hostages and about 15 bodies will be freed. Eight living hostages will be released early in the ceasefire, with the rest mid-term. In return, Israel will release terrorists from its prisons based on ratios from past deals. Hamas must provide updates on the remaining hostages' health and ensure their well-being. Israel insists on Red Cross visits and medical care, which Hamas has yet to approve.

The plan allows for continued and increased aid deliveries to Hamas-controlled areas. Israel demands international supervision to prevent theft by Hamas, a condition Hamas resists, claiming UN personnel should oversee distribution. Hamas accuses Israel of inciting armed clans to steal supplies.

Israel's withdrawal will be phased and limited, tied to progress in final agreement talks. During the 60-day ceasefire, only a minimal pullback will occur, per IDF guidelines. Israel will maintain control over the main borders and routes inside the Gaza Strip, namely, the Philadelphi Corridor, the Morag Axis, the perimeter, and the northern boundary near Sderot.

The second phase envisions a multinational force – including Arab, American, and other troops – taking over security and policing in Gaza. A key hurdle is the refusal of all parties to deploy while Hamas retains its weapons. No consensus exists on the tunnel issue, as Hamas refuses to share maps or surrender heavy arms like rockets, mortars, and explosives.

While progress is notable, caution is warranted. Past ceasefires have emboldened Hamas to stiffen its demands. An Arab official close to Palestinian internal talks notes Hamas' insistence on a role in Gaza's future governance. Meanwhile, Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, are pushing a broader regional deal for enhanced security and stability. With Iran weakened and Qatar treading carefully, opposition to this deal has been weakened.

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