Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed by the Trump administration. Iraq
Who is Ahmad Vahidi, IRGC chief and hard-liner against nuclear compromise? A longtime Revolutionary Guard insider with strong ties to Iran’s security apparatus and proxy network, Ahmad Vahidi has taken over the IRGC at a moment of crisis, with some reports suggesting he is playing an outsized role in the country’s decision-making. Iran
Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire The IRGC Navy’s seizure of two cargo vessels follows US Navy interdictions of two Iran-linked crude oil tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean earlier this week. Iran
Iran executes 14th person since war over alleged Mossad ties: What to know Iran has carried out multiple executions since the outbreak of the war with the United States and Israel, as it intensifies a crackdown on individuals accused of spying for Israel. Iran
Analysis As Iran's power struggle deepens, US talks stall, who’s calling the shots in Tehran? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran says Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' to ships Iran’s foreign minister said on Friday that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain secure for the duration of the Israel-Lebanon truce. Iran
Eurozone's inflation jumps 2.6%, jet fuel shortages loom amid Iran war Inflation has been soaring globally amid an energy supply crunch caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Trump announces Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, will invite Aoun and Netanyahu to White House The announcement follows landmark talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington on Tuesday. Lebanon
Trump, Rubio speak to Lebanon's president amid push for Aoun-Netanyahu call Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday amid reports that Aoun is to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lebanon
Interview Minister warns aid cuts to Lebanon risk empowering Hezbollah Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed warns of resurgent sectarian tensions as Israeli strikes drive mass displacement into overcrowded Beirut. Haneen Sayyed Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs
Iran arrests Ahwazi separatist leader amid war crackdown: What to know The Islamic Republic has detained hundreds of people in Khuzestan province, home to Iran’s largest Arab community. Iran
US Navy turns back 3 more vessels on second day of Iran blockade Cargo vessels altering their identification signals have created a cat-and-mouse game for the US Navy east of the Strait of Hormuz, while most of Iran’s “ghost fleet” appears to remain in a holding pattern. Iran
UAE's deputy PM holds first call with Ghalibaf amid push to extend US-Iran ceasefire The Emirati vice president and Iran’s parliament speaker talked de-escalation on the phone in the first such contact since the Iran war began. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Survival first: Will Iran soften red lines in US talks to consolidate war gains? Ahead of a possible new round of US talks, Iran insists that uranium enrichment on its own soil is nonnegotiable, framing it as a matter of sovereignty and deterrence. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
CENTCOM chief visits Israel, Bahrain amid Iran ceasefire, blockade The meetings come as the US seeks allies' support in opening the Strait of Hormuz after the US Navy established a maritime blockade of Iran's ports amid a fragile ceasefire. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Why are Wall Street banks posting record profits amid Iran war? The US-Israel-Iran war has roiled the global economy since Feb. 28, but the resulting market volatility has boosted trading profits for some. Iran
First round of Lebanon-Israel talks concludes in Washington: What to know Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the meeting a “historic opportunity” to end Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon. Lebanon
