Analysis From sanctions relief to deterrence: How Iran reads US elections Iran's negotiators now view US elections through the lens of political pressure and the costs of conflict, while even Javad Zarif frames diplomacy as part of deterrence. By Jamshid Jamshidi
Analysis Iran turns to Putin as war, US election reshape strategic calculations A Kremlin meeting with Iran's top security official coupled with reports of new arms deals amid looming war demonstrate Tehran's push to turn vulnerability into strategic leverage. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Can Trump turn midterm defeat into Iran breakthrough? Although Iran may have contributed to Republican losses in midterms, the Trump administration still has a historic opportunity in the Middle East. United States
As Trump weighs Iran strikes, possible nuclear opening emerges Sticking points include Iran's highly enriched uranium and lack of access for international inspectors. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Can Hegseth survive Iran war fallout? By Gabrielle Debinski In New York City, reporting on the Middle East
Iran’s air safety questioned after multiple flight incidents Panicked Iranians are nervously debating safety onboard domestic airliners after three airplanes nearly crashed in three consecutive days. United States
Iran's Zarif under fire for saying he’d negotiate with US Iranian conservatives have attacked Iran’s foreign minister for stating that Iran is open to talks with the United States. United States
What is role of Haraket Hezbollah al-Nujaba in uniting PMU? The assassinations of Soleimani and Muhandis are changing the relative weights of Iraqi factions under the umbrella of the Iran-led "axis of resistance"; Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba is playing a greater role in bridging gaps between rival Shiite actors. Iraq
Qaim residents fearful following conflict between US, Iran-backed militias Recent US attacks on positions along the Syrian border held by Iran-linked armed groups — some of whom are on the Iraqi government payroll — have led to insecurity among local residents, who had been seeing improvements in their lives. Iraq
Pentagon: 34 US troops injured in Iranian strike Dozens of US troops have left Ain al-Asad air base for medical evaluation following Iran's missile strikes earlier this month, despite the US administration claiming earlier that no service members had been injured. Iraq
Trump administration adjusts policies to new realities in Syria and Iraq Syrian Kurdish leader Mazlum Kobane has suggested in an interview new confidence-building measures with Turkey. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Barham Salih have managed expectations in their meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Iraq
Iran pares election roster in favor of hard-liners With less than a month until Iran's parliamentary elections, the already-dim chances for strong voter turnout are fast diminishing amid a sweeping removal of Reformist candidates from the competition. Iran
As Iraq's protests continue, is political solution on the horizon? As the Iraqi government feels the pressure of protests, political leaders are moving toward forming a national front to resolve the Iraqi crisis. Iraq
US Syria envoy: Any talks on troop withdrawal from Iraq must include all aid US envoy James Jeffrey says the United States wants to see its operations against the Islamic State in Iraq — which have been paused as US and coalition troops focus on protecting themselves in the wake of an escalation between US forces and Iranian-backed groups — resume as soon as possible. Iraq
Iran says plane crash investigation will be made public Iran’s defense minister said the investigation into the Ukraine plane shooting is ongoing but will be made public. Iraq
Erdogan's Libya strategy: Jump first, think later By openly taking sides in Libya, Turkey could end up undermining the clout it believes it has gained in that country. Syria
Pentagon steers away from brain trauma diagnoses after Iranian strike Donald Trump downplayed the injuries of US troops stemming from an Iranian missile strike. Iraq