Analysis Lacking leverage over Trump, Israel stays quiet on US-Iran talks Realizing it has little to no influence over President Donald Trump’s decision-making, the Israeli government has remained silent on the possibility of the United States and Iran resuming negotiations. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US military options narrow as Trump calls off Iran strikes: What to know Left with few good military options that won't risk triggering major Iranian regional retaliation, American officials aim to return to the negotiating table with arguably fewer cards. Iran
Explainer Iran-Oman Hormuz route talks near 'completion': What to know The new framework would give Iran a greater role in managing one of the world’s most strategically important maritime choke points. Oman
Iran hangs 2 over alleged Mossad ties as executions mount: What to know Rights groups have warned that Iran may step up executions with the resumption of the war in the region. Iran
Analysis How Hamas disarmament deal may test Iran's regional strategy By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
US will 'protect' its technology against China theft in Middle East: Leaf Barbara Leaf, top Middle East official at the State Department told Al-Monitor that the Syrian government is participating in the drug trade, and blamed Iran for the failure of the nuclear deal. Iran
In Israel, US defense chief Austin warns of heightened Iran-Russia cooperation US defense chief Lloyd Austin said Biden administration officials are "especially disturbed" by Israeli settler violence against Palestinians, but vowed nothing would get in the way of Washington's support for Israel's security as it faces threats from Iran. Israel
Iran unveils warship, missile launchers amid regional tensions With the 2,100-ton vessel added to its fleet along with nearly 100 missile-launching boats, Iran appears to be flexing its muscles at sea. Iran
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin talks troop presence in surprise Iraq visit Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is playing a delicate balancing act with pro-Iran factions as Washington keeps a low profile for its military advisers in Iraq in order to subdue the Islamic State. Iraq
IAEA Iran visit opens window to restart nuclear diplomacy The nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency meets Tuesday, as an EU official says an agreement could be "positive” for Iran nuclear talks. Iran
Family of US citizen killed in IRGC strikes sues Iran Omar Mahmoudzadeh was killed this September in an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in northern Iraq. His family's lawyer says the Biden administration downplayed his death. Iran
US, Saudi Arabia to conduct first counter-drone exercise without allies As tensions heat up with Iran, the Pentagon hopes the Red Sands exercises will convince allies in the Middle East that Western counter-drone technology is still better than China's. Legacy: Gulf
Top US general visits Israel amid increasing tensions with Iran The Pentagon’s top-ranking officer, Gen. Mark Milley, landed in Israel on Friday to coordinate with senior military officials on Iran strategy. Israel
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to visit Israel, Jordan, Egypt The Pentagon chief's second tour of the Middle East comes as diplomatic efforts to return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal appear to have run out of gas. Legacy: Gulf
Iran's oil, petrochemical trade hit with new US sanctions The designated firms are located in Iran, China, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates. Iran
Iran enriched uranium at 83.7%, close to weapons grade: UN watchdog The news is alarming for Israel, but Iran denied other recent reports that asserted they enriched uranium close to the 90% threshold for a nuclear weapon. Iran
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to visit Middle East as Iran threat builds Lloyd Austin's visit to the region as Biden's defense secretary is intended as a signal of reassurance as Iran continues to arm and fund proxy militias throughout the region. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
