Iran protests

Analysis

Oil and predictability: Why Gulf, Arab states oppose regime change in Iran

Any US military action against Iran would raise the risk of retaliation against oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf, either directly or through allied armed groups.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Feature

Bodies for ransom: Iranians fleeing to Turkey recount regime crackdown, retribution

Transiting Istanbul Airport, they also spoke of the internet blackout, hurried departures and skepticism of foreign intervention providing relief.

By Ezgi Akin

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

Trump tempers threats, 'thanks' Iran for halting protester executions

President Trump said the canceled Iranian executions “had a big impact” on his decision-making regarding a military response.

Iran

Iran plans to create closed internet network offering tiered access: Report

The shift heralds a new era in which internet access is no longer a right but a government-granted privilege, according to FilterWatch, a US-based group that monitors internet freedom in the Middle East.

Iran

Witkoff lays out conditions for deal with Iran, warns alternative 'bad one'

The US Middle East envoy has said he favors a diplomatic resolution of tensions with Iran rather than military action, in line with the president's recent remarks, but the threat of military escalation remains.

Iran

Analysis

Israel 'frustrated' by Trump’s Iran backtrack, unsure if strategy or cold feet

Israeli leaders had hoped that the US president would order attacks to help topple the government in Tehran and perhaps target Supreme Leader Khamenei.

By Ben Caspit

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

Tehran jams Starlink as Iranians take risks to skirt internet blackout

Iranians have turned to the US internet provider to get online amid a government-imposed network blackout that began Jan. 8.

Iran

Analysis

Why Iran regime’s potential collapse spells more risk than benefit for Turkey

Iran’s leadership faces its most serious unrest in years, and rising Kurdish mobilization makes the prospect of regime collapse particularly risky for Turkey.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

As Trump eyes possible Iran exit strategy, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey push for restraint

Iran’s airspace has reopened after a brief closure as Trump softens rhetoric on military action, while authorities report a slowdown in anti-regime protests amid a nationwide internet blackout and a harsh crackdown.

Iran

Interview

Yadlin: Israel’s regime-change goal in Iran remote without US 'boots on the ground'

The former head of Israel's military intelligence directorate told Al-Monitor that Israel must prepare itself for a possible Iranian response if the US follows through on its threat to hit the Islamic Republic.

Amos Yadlin

Former head of Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate

In call with Araghchi, Turkey's Fidan urges Iran to negotiate with US

The top Turkish diplomat held back-to-back calls with Iranian and US officials as Ankara watches developments in Iran with mounting concern.

Turkey

Analysis

Bruised, not broken: Iran’s regime shows no deep structural cracks — yet

One of the clearest indicators of regime vulnerability — namely defections among the elite or military positions — has not materialized yet.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics