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President Donald Trump departs following an event celebrating the 2025 MLS Cup in the East Room of the White House on March 5, 2026

Analysis

US war aims murky as Trump eyes role in Iran’s postwar future

While his officials insist the war isn't about regime change, President Donald Trump says he wants a hand in picking Iran's next leader.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

ALM Live

UAE freezes Iran's assets as Israel says 500 targets hit in Lebanon

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Osama Al Maqdoni / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

CIA, Mossad bolster Iran’s Kurds as US, Israel seek to ignite military revolt

Israel hopes Iran’s Kurds, and other minorities, will mobilize to help bring down the Iranian regime.

By Ben Caspit

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

UAE to freeze billions in Iranian assets following strikes

The UAE's move to freeze Iranian assets will hit Iran’s economy hard, as it is straining under high inflation, unrest and now a war.

United Arab Emirates

Sam / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Hormuz risk halts energy flows but Iran keeps moving oil — for now

While much of the world’s attention has focused on threats to Gulf oil exports and surging prices, the escalating conflict also exposes a key vulnerability for Tehran's own oil industry.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Latest News

Russia has aided Iran’s targeting US military in Gulf: Officials

Missiles produced by Iran's armed forces are displayed near a row of Iranian flags during commemorations to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution on February 11, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

What we know about UAE blocking X accounts accused of misinformation

Attendees take a picture of French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe as he delivers a speech during a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum on February 10, 2018, on Saadiyat island in the Emirati capital, to launch the French-Emirati "Year of Cultural Dialogue". (Photo by KARIM SAHIB / AFP) (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)

United Arab Emirates

Iran’s communications blackout limits assessment of war’s humanitarian toll

A man walks past destroyed buildings following airstrikes in central Tehran on March 4, 2026.

Iran

Next phase of US airstrike campaign in Iran to target missile manufacturing

Iran

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Donald Trump has been vague about both the reason for entering a war with Iran and the objectives being pursued

Vibes war? Trump pitches Iran conflict on 'feeling'

Agence France-Presse

Artificial intelligence tools can also be found built into semi-autonomous attack drones and other weapons

Questions over AI capability as tech guides Iran strikes

Agence France-Presse

US skips congressional review to approve munitions sale to Israel

Reuters

A Pakistani national with ties to Iran has been arrested in the United States for allegedly plotting to assassinate a US official

Pakistani found guilty of Iran-linked plot to kill Trump, US officials

Agence France-Presse

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The Al-Monitor Brief

How long can the Gulf protect itself from Iranian strikes?

Francesco Schiavi joins Adam Lucente

17:23

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin and Rina Bassist

The Al-Monitor Brief

Middle East at war: Regional observations on Iran, Israel, Turkey and beyond

Rina Bassist, Ezgi Akin and Beatrice Farhat joins Adam Lucente

18:19

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

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

CIA, Mossad bolster Iran’s Kurds as US, Israel seek to ignite military revolt

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

Hormuz risk halts energy flows but Iran keeps moving oil — for now

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Iran’s assault reveals Gulf defense gaps and reliance on US tech and intel

A plume of smoke rises from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on March 1, 2026.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

US war aims murky as Trump eyes role in Iran’s postwar future

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

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

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

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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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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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