US brokers deal for limited Israeli withdrawal in south Lebanon The deal establishes a US-facilitated military coordination group to oversee the creation of two initial pilot zones in southern Lebanon. Lebanon
Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
As US talks stall, Hezbollah chief defiant, says Israel to leave Lebanon ’humiliated' The speech comes as the Lebanese-Israeli talks appeared to reach a deadlock this week amid Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Lebanon
Explainer Bombed sites, missing uranium: How Trump’s Iran deal hinges on inspector access Iran's long record of obstructing the UN's nuclear watchdog raises questions about how much access it would grant in a future deal. Iran
Rouhani urges Iran’s factions to unite against US pressure Facing mounting economic pressure, President Hassan Rouhani urged Iran’s various factions to put differences aside and work together. United States
Bolton lays ground for Trump, Putin summit US national security adviser John Bolton went to Moscow with a specific mission and a specific message involving a Putin-Trump meeting in July; however, the question remains whether "summit diplomacy" can resolve looming security issues in the Middle East. Syria
Iranian activists' call for talks with US met with bipartisan fire and fury A statement signed by 100 Iranian activists calling for direct talks with the United States has been shot down by conservatives and Reformists alike. United States
Legendary Iranian soccer player urges consumer boycott to root out ‘thieves’ As consumer prices continue to hit ordinary Iranians hard, a popular former soccer player is leading a consumer boycott on social media in an effort to reduce prices. Iran
Iran could become collateral damage of OPEC decision If OPEC decides this month to increase oil output, it will probably be the result of a simple economic decision and not any desire by Riyadh and Moscow to cater to the United States. Saudi Arabia
Iran ups pressure on other countries to keep nuclear deal alive Iran’s foreign minister penned a letter to his counterparts around the world to call for a united stance against US unilateralism. United States
Ahmadinejad attacks Rouhani, Khamenei over nuclear deal Iranian former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad slams President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over their support for the JCPOA. Iran
Iran’s insurance industry braces for impact of US sanctions As Iran’s insurance industry awaits the re-imposition of US nuclear-related sanctions, the sector is this time better prepared for external restrictions. Iran
Iran's Khamenei orders boost in uranium enrichment capacity Ayatollah Khamenei’s order that preparations be made to vastly expand enrichment capacity if talks to save the JCPOA fail was met with various reactions in Tehran. Iran
Iran's outreach to India after US exit from nuclear deal faces obstacles While Iran will likely receive political and trade support from the Indian government, Indian business with exposure to the United States will likely succumb to pressure from Washington. United States
Adviser to Iran's supreme leader outlines steps to boost nuclear program A key adviser to Iran’s supreme leader outlined a number of recommendations Iran should take to advance its nuclear program capabilities. United States
US sanctions threaten Iran’s high hopes for tourism While the reimposition of US sanctions is likely to damage the revival of Iran’s tourism sector at least in the short term, the country’s ambitious plans to attract foreign visitors should not be written off. United States
