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
Top US general pumps brakes on sending more forces to confront Russia in Syria Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley suggested there's little the US can do to stop Russian fighter pilots' free rein over Syria's skies but warned American forces will defend themselves if they detect "hostile intent." Syria
Biden pledges Iran 'never acquires nuclear weapon' as he hosts Israel’s Herzog In his comment before his meeting with Israel's President Isaac Herzog, President Joe Biden did not address the Netanyahu government's judicial overhaul plan. But he did reiterate the US commitment to Israel's security and the strong ties between the two countries. Israel
Iran declares 'efficient deterrence' against any military strike Iran has in recent years shown off its military advancements, particularly its drones and ballistic missiles, shrugging off Western worries that it is escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East. Iran
US sends F-35s, Navy destroyer to Middle East amid aggressive moves by Russia, Iran The Pentagon is bolstering its defenses in the region as Congress presses the Biden administration to crack down on Iran's oil and gas exports. Iran
Russia, Iran quietly coordinating in Syria to pressure US, official says Russia is trying to squeeze the US out of Syria's airspace while the IRGC continues to flow weapons used to attack US bases into the country, a senior military official said. Syria
Iran rebukes Italy over 'terror sponsorship' after hosting MEK leader Iran was enraged by the Italian Senate Foreign Relations Committee after it hosted the leader of an opposition group that has been seeking regime change in Tehran for decades. Iran
Iran’s Raisi seals 21 deals on Africa trip, attends drone exhibit in Kenya Iran is seeking stronger ties to sub-Saharan Africa but faces competition from the Gulf and China. Iran
Analysis Israel’s Hezbollah deterrence is eroding as Lebanon border heats up IDF seniors warn that Hezbollah is becoming bolder and bolder, increasingly attempting to infiltrate Israeli territories and to provoke incidents with Israel. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran summons Russia's ambassador over UAE islands dispute On Monday, Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement calling for a “a peaceful solution” to the dispute over the Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands “in accordance with international law." Iran
US Joint Chiefs nominee emphasizes Middle East cooperation to deter Iran Air Force Gen. CQ Brown told Senate lawmakers that the United States should provide Middle Eastern states with the military capabilities they need to deter attacks by Iran. Washington Connection
US, Israel war games underscore warnings to Iran on nuclear enrichment This week's Juniper Oak exercise follows reports that the Biden administration has sought to commit Tehran to an informal arrangement limiting its nuclear enrichment outside of the JCPOA. Iran
What does Rob Malley’s suspension mean for Iran? While Iran's pro-government conservative media outlets have attempted to downplay the significance of this development, reformist sources view it as an ominous sign. Iran
