Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted. Iran
Analysis Trump’s Muslim Brotherhood move rekindles US debate over Islamist movement The executive order targeting Muslim Brotherhood chapters comes after President Trump weighed designating the entire movement in his first term. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Syria signs deals with ConocoPhillips, Novaterra Energy: What to know Syria signed a memorandum of understanding with US energy companies ConocoPhillips and Novaterra Energy to develop and explore gas fields as Damascus works to revive the country’s battered natural gas sector. Syria
Trump buys time with Syria sanctions waiver as Congress wrestles over repeal Before his Oval Office visit, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with a key lawmaker whose support is needed to repeal the Caesar Act. Syria
Analysis Sharaa in Washington: Can US charm offensive boost Syria’s reconstruction? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Feature Families of Americans missing in Syria urge Caesar sanctions relief By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Erdogan tells Biden Turkey won't change position on S-400s Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly told his US counterpart that Ankara won't soften its stance on the Russian S-400 missile systems despite sanctions imposed by Washington over the purchase. Turkey
The slow, uncertain pace of Saudi-Syrian rapprochement Even if the two sides eventually normalize ties, Damascus faces an uphill struggle to return to the Arab League. Syria
Blinken: Iran's nuclear 'breakout time' a matter of weeks if violations continue US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told lawmakers it was unclear if Iran is "willing and prepared" to resume compliance with the nuclear agreement. Iran
Rouhani claims US has agreed to lift key Iran sanctions Iran's president said the United States has agreed to remove substantial economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic following marathon talks in Vienna. Iran
Iran's president claims sanctions will soon be lifted President Hassan Rouhani has vowed to fulfill his promise to remove sanctions during the final months of his administration. Iran
Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief meets with Syrian counterpart in Damascus The meeting takes place during the first official visit to Damascus by Saudi Arabia since 2012. Saudi Arabia
Iran opposes interim deal in 'complicated' Vienna talks The Iranian negotiators appeared dogged in their demand for a full removal of US sanctions, rejecting reports that an interim deal is in the making. Iran
Is Canadian embargo harbinger of more sanctions for Turkey? The Canadian government’s decision to indefinitely cancel military export permits to Turkey has touched a nerve in the Turkish defense industry and bureaucracy. Turkey
Iran says 60% uranium enrichment an answer to attack President Hassan Rouhani says the recent decision to enrich uranium to 60% is in response to the alleged Israeli attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Iran
Iran nuclear talks to resume next week Meetings on the Iran nuclear agreement will continue in Vienna as Iran continues its demand for "Trump sanctions" to be removed. By Al-Monitor Staff
White House faces tough task of tearing down Iran sanctions wall to save nuclear deal In Trump's final days, the White House introduced a slew of new sanctions aimed at hindering a return to the nuclear deal. Yet since the designations were so blatantly politicized, the risk of undoing them is politically manageable. Iran
Iran releases South Korean ship The Hankuk Chemi tanker was released following an investigation into alleged water pollution, but the real reason for its detention may have been frozen Iranian funds in South Korea. News Brief