Breaking | Last Updated: August 24, 2026, 1:49 pm US threatens sanctions on Iran’s trading partners Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said countries were given "defined timelines" to halt business with Iran or face US sanctions. Iran
Iran gambles it can outlast Trump’s 'Economic D-Day' The Trump administration is considering tighter economic pressure as diplomacy with Tehran appears stalled. Iran
China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Analysis Lacking leverage over Trump, Israel stays quiet on US-Iran talks Realizing it has little to no influence over President Donald Trump’s decision-making, the Israeli government has remained silent on the possibility of the United States and Iran resuming negotiations. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis As US-Iran fighting resumes, Israel weighs 3 options with restraint winning, for now By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran to US: Stand by commitments and we’ll talk If the United States wants to resume talks, Iranian leaders have said, it should stick to the original commitments it made under the nuclear deal. United States
Why Iran needs China to act on far more than oil imports China may be defying US sanctions by likely resuming limited oil imports from Iran, but even that is a largely symbolic move unless Beijing also steps up non-oil trade with Tehran. Iran
Zarif seeks help from Pakistan Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visits Islamabad with an eye toward receiving help in dealing with Iran's economic woes and its issues with Washington and Riyadh. Iran
Can Russian, Turkish military-technical cooperation go beyond S-400 production? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan boasted that Turkey will co-produce the S-500 missile system with Russia following completion of the S-400 deal, but existing realities put this into question. Turkey
US grants Iraq reprieve to continue buying Iranian gas The US is allowing Iraq to keep purchasing gas from Iran without sanctions, to allow Baghdad time to develop alternate sources. Legacy: Gulf
Congress forgoes Iran war restrictions to save anti-Assad bill In order to assure passage of a long-stalled Syria sanctions bill, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted down legislation restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to attack Iran. Syria
Can Iran rely on Russia to dodge US pressure? Iran is relying on Russia to minimize the impact of the US "maximum pressure" campaign, but Russia seems to have reservations while it also enjoys certain advantages if US-Iran tensions remain unresolved, albeit at a controlled level. Russia
What to do about Iran’s expected budget deficit The impact of US sanctions on Iranian energy exports is bound to cause a budget deficit in Iran, with the Rouhani administration facing tough choices ahead. Iran
Russia may have designs on Iran's trade with Syria Observers wonder whether Russia will cut into Iran's trade volume with Syria. Syria
Will the Trump administration abort Iran’s land bridge to the Mediterranean? As tensions between the United States and Iran are at their height in the Gulf region, there are talks about Iran pushing for the opening of al-Bukamal crossing between Syria and Iraq. Iraq
Will China play a role in lessening US pressure on Iran? As the United States continues to enforce its "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, the Islamic Republic is relying on China not as a sole savior but at least as part of the solution. Iran