US envoy Barrack oversees Chevron deal in Iraq amid Iran influence row The Trump administration is maintaining pressure on Iraq over the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the influence of Iran-backed militias in the country. Iraq
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
UK warplane shoots down 'hostile' drone near US base in Syria The latest drone incursion comes as indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran are on thin ice. Syria
Iran says UK in 'discussions' over paying decades-old debt Iran's Ambassador to the US Mohsen Baharvand said a British delegation had discussed its imprisoned nationals during a recent visit to Tehran. Iran
Intel: US, Israel float military option as Iran nuclear talks sputter Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met at the Pentagon to discuss Iran's nuclear program, and the possibility of a military response if negotiations continue to stall. Iran
Iraq announces end to US-led combat role with no fanfare The defeat-IS coalition will continue its advisory mission into next year, despite a declared end to a combat role. Iraq
The Takeaway: What to expect in next round of Iran nuclear talks Iran’s dismal economy; Saudi defense reforms; Sudan-Ethiopia border dispute; Israeli settlements increase in Hebron; Mosul’s robot waiter; Luxor’s long-lost fertility goddess. Iran
Iran says window for talks not 'open forever' as Vienna dialogue resumes Iran insists that it wants the original terms of the nuclear deal fully implemented. Iran
Iran's chief negotiator says burden is on West, not Iran, for next move in nuclear talks Ali Bagheri Kani may wait for the other side to bring "something to the table" now. Iran
Iran official says Tehran relied on prior agreements at Vienna talks An Iranian official has said that their country’s draft of recommendations was based on the nuclear deal and did not discard the previous round of talks. Iran
Israel weighs options, timing of possible military strike on Iran Despite deadlock in Vienna, expert/technical talks may have a faint pulse. Israel
Iran's Quds Force chief warns US as hopes for nuclear accord fade Esmail Ghaani implied that Iran is able to strike at the US in ways it once could not. Iran
Iran accuses Israel of poisoning nuclear talks Iran's sharp rebuke followed reports that Israel had shared intelligence with Western partners alleging that Iran's nuclear enrichment has nearly reached weapons-producing levels. Iran
The Takeaway: Israel’s military threats shadow Iran nuclear talks Erdogan digs in on lira; Egypt, Ethiopia tensions rise again over Nile Dam; Assassins "carefully planned" attack on Iraqi PM; Iraqi Shiite scholars ponder post-Sistani era; Children become breadwinners in besieged Idlib; The return of Mohammed Ali Pasha’s palace … all in less than 1,200 words. Israel
