Iran-Oman deal over Hormuz takes shape as war-weary US looks on Trump administration appears poised to concede Iran and Oman's management of Hormuz in hope that Tehran eventually fold on its nuclear program. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey’s Erdogan heads to Saudi Arabia for talks with MBS, Pakistan’s Sharif The visit comes as the three countries ramp up coordination to weather the regional fallout from the Iran war. Turkey
Explainer Iran-Oman deal spurs Hormuz hopes as Red Sea threats evolve Iran has signaled that an agreement was reached with Oman establishing a Hormuz shipping route even as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea expand. Iran
US stock markets soar to new records amid Hormuz deal hopes The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average are on track for their best five-day performance since April 2025. Iran
Analysis Why Iran is fighting to keep Hormuz at center of US negotiations By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Pentagon: US not considering doubling counter-Iran deployment The Pentagon is sending mixed messages on whether the United States will deploy more troops to the Middle East to counter perceived threats from Iran. United States
Iran hosts Taliban delegation to talk Afghan peace Iran is bolstering its foothold in the Afghan peace process amid the vacuum triggered by the US suspension of talks with the Taliban. United States
Iran continues dismantling JCPOA nuclear restrictions Tehran is launching construction work on the first of two new nuclear units in a $10 billion expansion of its power plant and has begun enriching uranium at a site formerly limited to research. Russia
How Iran's protests could impact foreign policy Critical comments from France and Germany about the Iranian protests could further accelerate the dismantling of the Iran nuclear deal. Israel
Probe claims State Department sidelined Iran expert in politicized smear campaign The State Department's Office of the Inspector General finds that “improper considerations played a role" in the removal of a career employee's assignment to the department's policy planning office. United States
Is it time for a historic paradigm shift in the Persian Gulf? Could this be the moment for the countries in the Gulf region to realize they have a lot in common and take steps to reduce conflict? Legacy: Gulf
Iran's Rouhani offers to talk with Saudi, Bahraini leaders Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has sent letters to the kings of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in what is viewed as a step toward de-escalating regional tensions. Saudi Arabia
US mum on Iran prisoner swap dangle The United States government is saying little about Iran’s recent announcement it is sending a list of names for a possible prisoner swap, but there are signs of possible movement behind the scenes. United States
Trump's Syria pullout divides Iran hawks Despite bipartisan rebuke, some see great benefits in fixing ties with Turkey. Iraq
Pentagon turns to irregular tactics to counter Iran The Pentagon is trying to put the finishing touches on a plan to use irregular warfare tactics to temper Iran’s military escalation in the Middle East, Al-Monitor has learned. United States
Majority of Iranians now want to quit nuclear deal A new poll shows that Iranian public support has decreased significantly for the JCPOA, and three-quarters of those polled indicate that they only support restarting negotiations with the United States if sanctions are lifted first. United States
Iran, Saudi Arabia and the 'Trump variable' Relations between Saudi and Iranian leaders seem to sway precariously from week to week, propelled by a host of outside influences. Saudi Arabia
