Netanyahu fears being left out as Trump pursues Iran diplomacy Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was not surprised by President Donald Trump’s suspension of Project Freedom and move toward talks with Iran, but analysts say Washington may not be fully weighing Israel's concerns in negotiations with Tehran. Israel
China’s overland trade routes offer Iran wartime economic lifeline: What to know Cargo rail traffic between China and Iran has reportedly surged since the US blockade began in April as Tehran seeks overland trade alternatives to help buy time. Iran
Analysis Why Iran's wartime behavior risks lasting rupture with Gulf states Iran's rhetoric and policies toward Gulf states have sharply escalated, raising questions about whether years of painstaking regional rapprochement can survive mounting distrust and maritime confrontations. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Pompeo visit fails to reassure Israel on Syria, Iran The meeting of US secretary of State Mike Pompeo with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not reassure Jerusalem over developments in Syria and Iran. Israel
Pentagon turns to irregular tactics to counter Iran The Pentagon is trying to put the finishing touches on a plan to use irregular warfare tactics to temper Iran’s military escalation in the Middle East, Al-Monitor has learned. United States
Arrest of Telegram channel operator surprises Iranians The operator of a popular dissident Telegram channel was in Iraq when he was apprehended and handed to Iran, according to BBC Persian. Iran
Angry protests, empty seats overshadow Rouhani speech Leaders of several student unions walked out of a commencement speech by President Hassan Rouhani after they were barred from the podium. Iran
Iran's Central Bank chief speaks out on currency plunge, $15 billion French credit line Iranian Central Bank governor Abdulnaser Hemmati speaks in-depth about the re-imposition of US sanctions on his country, the unprecedented plunge of the rial and more. Iran
Putin goes for broke to negotiate Turkey cease-fire US withdrawal created some opportunites for Russia but also had it face new challenges with Turkey. Syria
Majority of Iranians now want to quit nuclear deal A new poll shows that Iranian public support has decreased significantly for the JCPOA, and three-quarters of those polled indicate that they only support restarting negotiations with the United States if sanctions are lifted first. United States
Rouhani calls US sanctions on Iran 'crime against humanity' Iran's president has slammed the US economic sanctions on food and medical supplies for Iran but promised that Tehran will defeat Washington in the "economic war." United States
Kurdish deal with Syrian regime against Turkey a boon for Iran As the Kurds sic Syria's army on Turkey, Iran offers to assume the high-profile role of mediator in the crisis. Syria
Iran, Saudi Arabia and the 'Trump variable' Relations between Saudi and Iranian leaders seem to sway precariously from week to week, propelled by a host of outside influences. Saudi Arabia
Why Iran's grand ayatollahs are fighting over Rumi Two grand Ayatollahs have declared their opposition to production of a movie about the celebrated poem Rumi and his friend and mentor Shams al-Tabrizi, but it is not clear whether they can stop it. Turkey
In Riyadh, Putin receives czar-like reception Russia and Saudi Arabia sign a dozen business deals but it is unclear whether Syria disagreements were resolved. Saudi Arabia