Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? On June 26, Emirati and Syrian officials discussed plans for a logistics corridor connecting Syrian ports to Gulf markets via Iraq. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Iran rejects Trump's claim frozen funds will buy US soybeans: What to know Trump said Wednesday that the US would release “some” Iranian frozen funds and would use them to purchase corn, wheat and soybeans from American farmers. Iran
Who is Lebanon’s Suleiman Frangieh, sanctioned by US for Hezbollah ties? The politician and Marada Movement leader has a close relationship with the Syrian Assad family and staunchly supports Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah. Lebanon
Trump, Vance sign Iran-US framework A US official said that the US president and vice president and Iran's parliament speaker signed the MoU electronically on Sunday. Iran
Analysis As Trump admin drops Halkbank case, S-400 last big hurdle in US-Turkey ties By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US issues more Iran sanctions as Trump says strikes will resume By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
UK, France, Germany trigger snapback sanctions on Iran The three countries set an end-of-month deadline for Iran to cooperate over its nuclear program. Iran
Analysis As E3 prepares to restore Iran sanctions, IAEA's Grossi pushes nuclear access IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said his team is seeking access to Tehran's nuclear sites "as soon as possible." By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iran turns to Russia ahead of E3 nuclear talks: What to know The meeting on Tuesday follows a call on Monday between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Putin expressed support for Iran's nuclear program and its upcoming talks. Iran
Trump admin reaffirms F-35 ban on Turkey after letter from 40 Democrats The State Department's reassurance followed renewed pressure from lawmakers from both parties opposed to Turkey accessing F-35 technology while retaining the Russian S-400. United States
US sanctions 4 ICC officials over Israel case The sanctions against four of the court's officials come as Israel prepares for a military offensive in Gaza City. Israel
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
As Trump warms to Syria, US pushes UN to lift Sharaa sanctions The move comes as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prepares to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next month. Syria
Mysterious fires, alleged cyberattack hint at escalating Israel-Iran shadow war Amid a shadow war with Israel that appears to be escalating, Iran's foreign minister has said that nuclear negotiations are still possible, but will require overcoming rising "anti-negotiation" sentiment in Iran. Iran
US hits Palestine officials with visa bans amid growing statehood recognition The sanctions are expected to have limited effect, as Palestinian officials generally avoid traveling to the United States due to restrictions imposed by a 2019 anti-terrorism law. Palestine
Trump admin unveils largest-to-date Iran sanctions on oil 'shipping empire' The sanctions target more than 115 individuals, entities and vessels that the Treasury Department has linked to a network transporting oil from Iran and Russia. Iran
China steps in to help electrify Iran’s railways: What to know Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref met with members of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce on Monday as ties grow. Iran
In Turkey, Iran-E3 talks set to tackle IAEA access, snapback sanctions As Tehran returns to nuclear talks with Europe amid rising diplomatic pressure, Turkey reaffirms its role as a key regional host for high-stakes diplomacy. Turkey
