Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know President Donald Trump was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, who was seen as close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate put forward by Iraq’s leading Shiite bloc. Iraq
Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies As the Hormuz standoff intensifies, Trump must choose between military escalation, a limited diplomatic deal, or continuing a pressure campaign against Iran. Iran
In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US. Iran
Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates President Donald Trump spoke by phone separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Iran and the possibility of extending the ceasefire. United States
Analysis How long can Iran's economy withstand Trump's naval blockade? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran, Saudi Arabia FMs meet in China, agree to expand ties Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have agreed to reinstate diplomatic offices and resume flights between the two countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran rules out interim nuclear deal Iranian official dismisses talk of a "less for less" deal as "the outcome of some think tank brainstorming." Iran
China to host Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers as detente moves forward The Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers are meeting in Beijing on Thursday to advance the deal announced last month to restore ties between the two countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran appoints first ambassador to UAE in 8 years as Gulf thaw continues Reza Ameri previously served as Iran’s ambassador to Algeria, Sudan and Eritrea. Legacy: Gulf
Iran vows revenge against Israel after deadly Syria strikes As tensions escalated, Iran's promise of vengeance was also coupled with a pledge to further bolster Syria's defenses against Israel. Iran
Pentagon: 8 Iran-backed fighters killed in Syria strikes An Iranian drone strike against the US military in Syria last week led to significant hostilities. Syria
Iran-Russia military relations take spotlight following Moscow FM meeting Despite international pressure, the two isolated states have been ramping up military ties with reported deliveries of Iranian drones in exchange for Russian Sukhoi warplanes. Iran
Top US general advocates targeting Iran’s IRGC Quds Force after Syria drone attack Biden’s airstrikes in Syria highlight paradox of deterring Iran-backed groups without triggering further escalation. Syria
Iran adheres to ambiguity over attack on US base in Syria Iranian officials continue to neither confirm nor deny responsibility for a recent deadly attack on US forces in Syria that has been blamed on Tehran-backed proxies. Iran
Iranian, Saudi FMs hold second call in a week on 'constructive' relations Iran may also soon resume relations with Bahrain following mediation by Oman. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia, UAE court China in search for stability with Iran The Arab Gulf states remain cordial and diplomatic as the United States, Russia, China and Iran feud over spying and matters of international law. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Iran-Iraq agreement about more than borders Tehran reinforces position in Iraq with border deal; Syria heats up despite Arab rapprochement; Iraq-Turkey manage differences on water, oil and PKK. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
