Analysis Iran scrambles to shape endgame amid growing US military pressure With Washington tightening deadlines and deploying assets, Tehran is mounting a rapid diplomatic campaign while preparing for what is increasingly seen as some level of unavoidable confrontation. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
US partners shy away as Pentagon readies for potential strikes against Iran Turkey and the United Kingdom are the latest among Washington’s military partners seeking to distance themselves from being tied to any planned strikes against Iran. United States
Analysis Despite warnings from Israel's defense elite, Netanyahu pushes for Iran strike Although Israeli advisers warn against appearing to drag the US into war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not hidden his desire to help topple the Islamic Republic. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
In letter, US lays out 7 demands for next Iraqi PM, with emphasis on Iran The Trump administration is pressing Baghdad on Iranian influence and the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with Iraq's top diplomat claiming the US stipulations include a "hint" toward potential sanctions. Iraq
US Navy sends guided-missile submarine to Middle East amid Iran tensions US show of force comes as Pentagon extends aircraft carrier deployment following last month's lethal attack by Iran-backed militias on US personnel in Syria. Iran
CIA director visited Saudi Arabia, aired 'frustration' over Iran, Syria thaw The CIA director met the country's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and reportedly expressed displeasure with Washington being "blindsided" over agreements brokered by China and Russia. Legacy: Gulf
Iran media hails thaw with Saudi Arabia as top diplomats meet in China Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers met in Beijing on Thursday as China's role expands in the Middle East. Iran
Iran, Saudi Arabia FMs meet in China, agree to expand ties Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have agreed to reinstate diplomatic offices and resume flights between the two countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran rules out interim nuclear deal Iranian official dismisses talk of a "less for less" deal as "the outcome of some think tank brainstorming." Iran
China to host Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers as detente moves forward The Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers are meeting in Beijing on Thursday to advance the deal announced last month to restore ties between the two countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran appoints first ambassador to UAE in 8 years as Gulf thaw continues Reza Ameri previously served as Iran’s ambassador to Algeria, Sudan and Eritrea. Legacy: Gulf
Iran vows revenge against Israel after deadly Syria strikes As tensions escalated, Iran's promise of vengeance was also coupled with a pledge to further bolster Syria's defenses against Israel. Iran
Pentagon: 8 Iran-backed fighters killed in Syria strikes An Iranian drone strike against the US military in Syria last week led to significant hostilities. Syria
Iran-Russia military relations take spotlight following Moscow FM meeting Despite international pressure, the two isolated states have been ramping up military ties with reported deliveries of Iranian drones in exchange for Russian Sukhoi warplanes. Iran
Top US general advocates targeting Iran’s IRGC Quds Force after Syria drone attack Biden’s airstrikes in Syria highlight paradox of deterring Iran-backed groups without triggering further escalation. Syria
Iran adheres to ambiguity over attack on US base in Syria Iranian officials continue to neither confirm nor deny responsibility for a recent deadly attack on US forces in Syria that has been blamed on Tehran-backed proxies. Iran
