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Israel anticipates anti-regime protests in Iran, unlikely to invade Lebanon

Israeli diplomats and military officials are concerned that the surge in oil prices will prompt the US leader to end operations against Iran before regime change is reached.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

ALM Live

Qatar downs two Iranian jets as Trump expects prolonged war

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Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a member of Iran’s interim leadership council.

Meet Alireza Arafi, a Khamenei confidant on Iran’s Leadership Council

Long viewed as a potential successor to Khamenei, he has risen through the ranks largely through appointments by the late leader.

Iran

Small boats loaded with merchandise sail past the St. Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam Peninsula, on June 25, 2025.

Hormuz traffic slows as Iran threatens to set 'ships on fire'

Maritime intelligence company Lloyd’s List reported on Sunday that no traceable passages have been made by major crude tankers through the Strait of Hormuz since Saturday night.

Iran

US President Donald Trump arrives for a Medal of Honor Ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 2, 2026, in Washington.

Trump pledges 'whatever it takes,' signals Iran war could last weeks

President Donald Trump said the US military projected the war would last four to five weeks, though it has the capacity "to go far longer."

Iran

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From oil to data centers, US-Iran war takes key Mideast infrastructure offline

A food delivery bike drive close to a plume of smoke rising from the Zayed Port following a reported Iranian strike in Abu Dhabi on March 1, 2026. Iran's retaliatory missile and drone campaign in the Gulf has killed three people and wounded 58 in the United Arab Emirates since it began, Emirati authorities said on March 1, the day after the US and Israel launched a nationwaide attack on Iran killing its supreme leader. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP via Getty Images)

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

With Gulf partners under fire from Iran, will Europe step up its defense?

Israel

In first, Lebanon government bans Hezbollah’s military activities

Lebanon

What US-Iran war means for oil prices, shipping and global markets

A cargo ship is pictured off the coast of Fujairah in the Strait of Hormuz, in the northern emirate, Feb. 25, 2026.

Iran

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About 10% of global container fleet caught in Hormuz backup, shipping CEO says

Reuters

Iran vows to attack any ship trying to pass through Strait of Hormuz

Reuters

Kazakhstan foreign minister discusses Middle East with regional ministers

Reuters

Greek police detain man on suspicion of spying on naval base in Crete

Reuters

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The Al-Monitor Brief

Where do US-Iran talks stand as Trump says he’s ‘not happy’? View from Washington

Elizabeth Hagedorn and Jared Szuba joins Adam Lucente

14:14

The Al-Monitor Brief

Are Israel and Hezbollah heading toward a new war in Lebanon?

Beatrice Farhat joins Adam Lucente

14:25

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Most Iranians would reject US deal, fearing it enables regime survival, says Hamidreza Azizi

Hamidreza Azizi joins Amberin Zaman

29:08

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Interview

AI, cybersecurity high on Mideast priorities amid global tech rivalry: Tech Mahindra

A man and woman walk along a promenade overlooking the Burj al-Arab and Dubai skyline on January 4, 2025. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Interview

Treated as 'enemies’: Ahmad Tibi accuses Netanyahu government of indifference to Arab Israeli lives

Ahmad Tibi

Knesset member and Ta'al Party leader

Interview

YPG spokesman: Syrian forces' strategy is to isolate Kurdish towns and cities

Siyamend Ali

YPG spokesman

Interview

Huckabee confirms US-Israel alignment on Iran, says Hamas will disarm 'sooner or later'

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, US President Donald Trump's nominee to be ambassador to Israel, testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, March 25, 2025.

Analysis

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Analysis

UAE-Saudi fracture to test Egypt’s security-economy tradeoff

This handout picture released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on February 23, 2026, shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) welcoming Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (L) upon his arrival for an official visit at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (Photo by Ahmed NURELDINE / SPA / AFP via Getty Images)

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

In Turkey, is Bilal Erdogan preparing to replace his father?

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Analysis

How survival mode has reshaped Iran's calculations for potential US war

A cyclist rides past an anti-US billboard installed on a building along a street in Tehran on Feb. 26, 2026.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

From oil to data centers, US-Iran war takes key Mideast infrastructure offline

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Joyce Karam, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Holly Dagres, and Ali Hashem

Are the US and Iran closer to war or a deal?

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0:59

Saudi Arabia's former and new investment ministers side by side

Saudi Arabia names new investment minister as Vision 2030 funding lags

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1:11

Iraqi Christian man in dark blue sweater sitting in an office

After years abroad, Iraq’s Christians weigh returning home

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3:39

Elizabeth Hagdeorn asking Rubio a question about negotiations with the Iranian government after its killing of protesters

Rubio tells Al-Monitor talks with Iran must address ballistic missiles, proxies

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Past Live Journalism

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts food security forum with Dr. Conrad Rein

On October 16, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, alongside representatives from multilateral development banks and the private sector for a discussion on food security in the Middle East and Africa.

Washington, DC

October 16, 2025 11:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya

On Sept. 21, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, for a discussion on digital inclusion and economic empowerment in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

New York, NY

September 21, 2025 17:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at AL-Monitor Global Institute

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright

On May 22, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington DC to discuss the future of power and energy in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Washington, DC

May 22, 2025 10:30 EDT

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