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
Jordan to support US Navy unmanned drone task force in Red Sea The Royal Jordanian Naval Base at Aqaba will host the US 5th Fleet's Task Force 59 to test unmanned surface craft in the coming weeks. Jordan
Iran-linked militia calls up thousands of volunteers to fight US forces An IRGC-linked armed faction in Iraq has urged men across the country to take up arms against any US forces remaining after Dec. 31, claiming to have received tens of thousands of "calls" from citizens willing to help. Iraq
Iran denounces US sanctions over election interference Iran said the new sanctions imposed on a group of Iranians for alleged election meddling were a continuation of the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign. Iran
Iranian helicopter made 'dangerous' approach to US Navy ship, Pentagon says Iran and the United States are upping the ante in the Gulf ahead of a planned return to negotiations in Vienna. Legacy: Gulf
Iran negotiator says goal in Vienna is to undo 'illegal sanctions' Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran on the latter’s nuclear program will resume on Nov. 29 after a five-month pause. News Brief
The Takeaway: Iran says US must show goodwill ahead of nuclear talks Saudi Arabian beach riles conservatives; Turkey responds to Erdogan health speculation; Arab-Israeli legislator vindicated by budget; Alexandria’s global warming worries; Egypt offers divorce counseling; Pharaoh’s honey bees still buzzing; all in less than 1,500 words! Iran
Iran's IRGC praises forces in Gulf of Oman incident Iran claims its naval forces thwarted a US attempt to confiscate oil from an Iranian tanker, yet Washington denies the incident even occurred. Iran
Iran condemns assassination attempt on Iraqi prime minister While many have speculated that Iran-backed militias were behind the attack, hard-line Iranian media outlets pointed the finger at the United States. Iran
US approves sale of air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia The Biden administration says the weapons are key to Saudi Arabia's self-defense from Iran-backed drone attacks out of Yemen. Iran
Iran increases enriched uranium stockpile ahead of Vienna talks Indirect talks between the United States and Iran on the latter’s nuclear program will resume in late November after months of delay. Iran
Israel floats trial for new balloon-based drone, missile-detecting radar The early-detection balloon and radar are the latest in Israel's rapidly growing arsenal of missile defense systems. Israel
Iran marks US Embassy takeover amid soaring tensions "Death to America" was shouted by government loyalists, as the latest anniversary was held following state media reports about a "triumphant encounter" with US naval forces in the Sea of Oman. Iran