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
Second attack on US military in Syria following Pentagon’s airstrikes The US military said it struck Iranian-affiliated targets in eastern Syria in response to an earlier drone attack. Syria
Setback for Iran as US court orders $1.68 billion payout for 1983 Beirut bombing One analyst told Al-Monitor that the families of the US Marines killed in the attack could finally receive compensation following years of legal battles. Iran
Top US general says ‘multiple options’ ready if Iran develops nuclear weapon Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said Iran could produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon in less than two weeks. Iran
Iran flexes military muscle after joint naval drills with Russia, China The exercise included China's powerful Nanning warship and coincided with Tehran’s recent diplomatic pushes to reposition itself in the regional power play by adhering to the “look to the East” policy. Iran
Saudi Arabia, Iran FMs to meet 'soon' after phone call Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed earlier this month to resume relations in a deal brokered by China. Legacy: Gulf
10 soldiers killed in Yemen as fighting with Houthis resumes in Marib The fighting in oil-rich Marib is disrupting renewed efforts to end the Yemeni war amid the cautious optimism that has followed the Saudi-Iranian deal. Legacy: Gulf
Pakistan sees opportunities, questions in China's Iran-Saudi deal Having often been caught in the middle between the rivals, Pakistan is looking forward to calmer Saudi-Iran relations and reaping economic benefits through its partner, China. Legacy: Gulf
US imposes fresh sanctions over Iran drone procurement The US Treasury Department designated four entities and three people, including one based in Turkey, accused of aiding Iran's drone and weapons programs. Iran
Breaking | Last Updated: March 20, 2023, 4:57 pm US outlines Iran abuses including torture in annual report Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the international community to confront Iran's violent clampdown on protests. Iran
US officials skeptical of China's deal but concerned about deterring Iran China’s diplomatic reach into heart of Middle East was an unmistakable signal to Washington. Read more in the weekly security-focused newsletter from Al-Monitor’s Pentagon Correspondent Jared Szuba. Legacy: Gulf
Iran committed 'horrific acts of torture' against detained children says Amnesty The London-based organization says Iranian intelligence and security forces used brutal torture methods against children as young as 12 who were arrested in the crackdown on the country’s protests. Iran
Pentagon sees ‘spike’ in armed Russian flyovers of US troops in Syria CENTCOM commander Michael “Erik” Kurilla told Congress about ongoing 'aggressive' behavior by Russian pilots, following the downing of a US MQ-9 drone over the Black Sea. Syria
