Turkey, Pakistan among 14 countries backing Saudi Arabia's anti-Houthi Red Sea alliance Riyadh won political backing from 14 countries for its proposed maritime defense coalition, but members have yet to commit to joining as Washington weighs its position. Saudi Arabia
Houthis deny responsibility for drone attack hitting Egypt's Damietta Port The attack is the first on Egyptian territory since the Iran war erupted in February, raising the risk of further widening the Middle East conflict. Egypt
China cuts deal with Houthis, adjusts for long US war with Iran China is cutting its own deals and gaining wartime leverage as the Trump administration scrambles to contain the war and reopen Hormuz. China
Oil jumps 8% as US-Iran war pressures Saudi Arabia, explosions hit Egypt The price of benchmark Brent crude climbed past $90 per barrel on Wednesday after a renewed round of US-Iran hostilities shattered a days-long lull in fighting and the Houthis targeted Saudi oil exports. Iran
Exclusive Saudi Arabia to announce Red Sea coalition to counter Houthi threats By Amberin Zaman , Jared Szuba
Analysis Katz riles Iran, US as Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran to launch missile drill as Araghchi signals conditional IAEA cooperation Ahead of a missile exercise planned for Thursday, Iran’s foreign minister said that the return of IAEA inspectors will be possible should it be approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Iran
Iran's political split deepens: Reformists urge uranium freeze as hard-liners resist The recent war with Israel has exposed fault lines across Iran's political spectrum, galvanizing moderate factions to call for domestic and regional policy reforms. Iran
Iran plans 20 satellites, test launch by end of 2025: What to know Iran is seeking investment in its space agency and has made progress in developing satellites in the face of sanctions, though reliance on Russia remains a factor. Iran
Iran’s Pezeshkian seeks assurances in Armenia as Yerevan, Baku nominate Trump for Nobel Tehran is concerned that the new Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor, announced in an agreement brokered by Washington earlier this month, threatens its access to regional trade routes and could invite a foreign military presence. Iran
Lebanon's PM slams Hezbollah chief for making 'threat of civil war' Tensions are rising as Lebanon’s government, under pressure from the US, moves forward with a plan to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Lebanon
Iran hosts South Africa military chief, eyes stronger defense ties Iran is seeking closer relations with South Africa as part of its African outreach efforts, though trade and defense ties between the two countries are not particularly strong. Iran
Analysis What new CENTCOM commander means for Middle East power balance Navy admiral known for diplomatic acumen has taken charge of all American forces in the Middle East amid uncertainty about Washington’s ability to avoid further entanglements following the Iran-Israel war. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
IAEA official visits Tehran for first time since Iran-Israel war: What to know Following its June war with Israel, Iran halted cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog and its inspectors departed the country. Iran
Iran security chief visits Iraq, Lebanon as Baghdad weighs pro-Iran militia law Ali Larijani, who was recently appointed to head Iran’s top security body, has embarked on visits to Iraq and Lebanon as Baghdad faces US pressure to contain Iranian-backed groups. Iran
Analysis Iran reshapes military as proxies falter, 'inevitable' clash with Israel looms The establishment of Iran’s new National Defense Council is more than a bureaucratic reshuffle — it’s a move to restructure command systems that have been battered in the recent war with Israel, as Tehran prepares for a conflict it increasingly sees as inevitable. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
China's oil imports fall 5.4% as Iranian flows recede from June highs US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran’s economy, clamping down on its oil sector, a critical component of the state budget. Iran
Iran’s president to visit Armenia, China: What to know Tehran is looking to strengthen ties with regional and Asian powers as Western sanctions continue to squeeze its economy. Iran
