Iran’s IRGC tests new weapons as second US aircraft carrier nears region The drill was at least the third conducted by Iranian forces in the past two weeks. Iran
Analysis Israel fears Trump will clear path for partial Iran deal on nuclear standoff Israel is concerned that a limited American strike on Iran, followed by negotiations, would lead to a partial nuclear deal that excludes the ballistic missile and proxy issues. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lebanon FM says Israel may strike Beirut airport in war with Hezbollah Lebanon’s top diplomat said Beirut has received warnings that Israel would strike the country’s airport in a war with Hezbollah as the specter of a military confrontation between the group’s ally, Iran, and the United States looms. Lebanon
US envoy Barrack oversees Chevron deal in Iraq amid Iran influence row The Trump administration is maintaining pressure on Iraq over the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the influence of Iran-backed militias in the country. Iraq
Analysis Iran scrambles to shape endgame amid growing US military pressure By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Despite warnings from Israel's defense elite, Netanyahu pushes for Iran strike By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iranian currency dips to historic low amid sanctions, pandemic, foreign policy decisions Iran has seen the rial’s value fall by almost half this year as the currency now stands at a record low against the US dollar, triggered by ongoing sanctions, coronavirus restrictions and, according to some experts, Iran's foreign policy adventures since the 1979 revolution. Iran
US judge orders Iran pay $1.45 billion to family of ex-FBI agent presumed dead Iran has been ordered to pay Robert Levinson's family $1.35 billion in punitive damages and $107 million in compensatory damages. United States
Russia may sell S-400 to Iran after UN embargo expires, ambassador says Russia’s ambassador to Iran said Saturday that the Kremlin may sell its S-400 missile defense system to Tehran after the UN arms embargo expires later this month. Russia
Third, final Iranian tanker arrives in Venezuela Iran sent three tankers carrying more than 800,000 barrels of fuel to the South American country, successfully evading US sanctions in the process. Iran
Twitter says it closed Iranian government accounts focused on US election The social media company said it received the information on Tehran's purported activity during the first US presidential debate from the FBI. United States
Trump's Supreme Court pick represented controversial Iranian group Amy Coney Barrett was part of a legal team that represented the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which had previously been designated by the United States as a terrorist organization. Originals
Iran president says 'no' to pre-election deal with Trump Despite an official line of indifference toward US election results, Iranian authorities are closely monitoring the race from Tehran. Iran
Iranian tanker reaches coast of Venezuela Other Iranian ships are bringing fuel to and from the South American country, despite a US seizure of such vessels in August. Iran
Why rejoining Iran nuclear deal isn’t so easy, even if Biden wins A new Iran deal should consider the “gold standard” energy pact by the UAE and include a regional dialogue on the peaceful use of nuclear power. United Arab Emirates
Senate Democrats say Trump administration policy has empowered Iran The State Department also announced new sanctions on Iran including on the judge who purportedly ordered the execution of famed wrestler Navid Afkari. Congress
Zarif says Iran open to more prisoner exchanges Iran says it is ready for more prisoner exchanges with the United States via Swiss mediation. Iran
The Takeaway: Normalization deals don’t ‘repair damage’ of Trump policies, says US senator Democrat Chris Van Hollen takes apart Trump policies in Middle East; Al-Monitor gets the scoop on the art of the deal in Sudan; Turkey’s militarized foreign policy; the gold standard for nuclear power in the Middle East. United States
