Interview UAE official says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable' Abdulla Balalaa, UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability, spoke to Al-Monitor about the situation in the Gulf along with the UAE's focus on promoting privatization in the water sector and the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Analysis What is Iran really willing to concede on its nuclear program? Iran’s current posture accepts short-term, reversible constraints while rejecting long-term limits on enrichment. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
'The reach is global': Pentagon vows pursuit of ships tied to Iran trade A top admiral said the US Navy will pursue any vessels "providing material support to Iran" anywhere in the world. United States
Sharaa distances Syria from Iran war, says Israel talks ongoing: What to know Negotiations with Israel "have not reached a dead end, but they are progressing with great difficulty” Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Syria
Analysis How long can Iran's economy weather US naval blockade? By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US welcomes conviction of Iranian, 4 Iraqis for killing American citizen Stephen Troell, an aid worker in Baghdad, was killed in November when gunmen opened fire on his car. Iraq
Iran's oil production bounces back as exports to China rise despite sanctions Iran's oil industry was hurt by the reimposition of US sanctions in 2018, but has largely recovered since then, in part due to increased exports to China. Iran
Iran claims to foil Israeli plot against its missile operations The announcement follows Iranian officials saying they had dismantled “Zionist-linked” cells across the country and amid an escalating proxy war between Iran and Israel. Iran
Iran claims to dismantle Israeli-linked ‘Zionist’ cells across the country The announcement follows another attack on a Shiite shrine in the country, as well as renewed Iranian threats towards Iranian Kurdish groups in Iraq. Iran
Raisi says revival of nuclear deal not Iran's priority Talks to restore the 2015 accord have been in a state of impasse for 18 months, as both Iran and the United States appear to be increasingly reluctant for a breakthrough. Iran
Republican says Congress 'kept in dark' as Iran envoy saga develops Congressional Republicans are furious after the Tehran Times published a letter purportedly from the State Department discussing the suspension of Malley’s security clearance. Iran
Raisi pushes anti-US agenda in BRICS as Iran celebrates ascension The Islamic Republic hopes that BRICS membership will remedy its ailing economy and open a new front against American influence in the global sphere. Iran
Can US-Iran prisoner deal build trust for broader talks? Experts say the release of five Americans held in Iran could lay the groundwork for a resumption of nuclear talks between the longtime adversaries. Iran
US finally unloads Iranian oil from seized tanker The Iranian oil aboard the Suez Rajan sat unloaded off the coast of the United States for months amid threats from Iran, causing concern in Congress. Iran
Iran claims to have produced key engine for supersonic missile tech The announcement was the latest in a chain of advancements Iran has claimed in its missile technology in defiance of Western criticism and amid regional tensions. Iran
Analysis Is Biden’s reset on Iran paying off? Republicans say no; four benchmark dates to watch. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Republican senators claim 'dangerous precedent' set by Iran prisoner deal Some Republicans call the deal a "ransom payment," but US officials say Iran could only access its frozen funds for humanitarian purchases under tight supervision. Iran
