How Iran’s institutional politics is about to become more complex

A relatively unknown subdivision of Iran’s Expediency Council is causing a stir in national politics as it appears to be girding to directly enter the legislative process.

Iran

USAID money diverted to Syrian terrorist group

"Numerous instances" of diversion reported by US watchdog agency; US sanctions between Iraq and a hard place.

Iraq

Iran-Iraq relations in light of US sanctions

Rather than undermine ties between Iran and Iraq, the Trump administration’s reimposition of sanctions is compelling Iran to deepen ties with its western neighbor.

Iraq

How Saudi Arabia, Qatar are competing over Iraq

As the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Qatar continues, each country seeks influence in Iraq in order to expand its economic and political power in the region.

Saudi Arabia

Trump reignites Iranian rage with 'terrorist nation' diatribe

Despite political differences, many Iranians are coming together to lash out at US President Donald Trump after he called Iran "a terrorist nation."

Iran

Iranian pension funds on brink absent major reforms

Iran’s main pension funds appear to be in dire need of prompt reform in order to survive without government bailouts.

Iran

Iran factory workers demand wages as strike enters 16th day

Demands by striking workers at a troubled sugar plant in Iran's southwest remain unfulfilled, with several protest leaders being kept in police custody.

Iran

Intel: How Russia, Iran are facilitating illicit oil shipments to Syria (according to the US)

Syria

With rising US pressure, Iran worries about losing ground in Iraq

Iran is worried about losing influence in Iraq after the reimposition of US sanctions on Iran and because of US pressure on Iraq to distance itself from Iran.

Iraq

Iran turns to pragmatism as Israel woos Oman

While Iran is unlikely to have been happy about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Oman, it has tried to remain pragmatic in order to prevent tensions with a longstanding Arab friend.

Saudi Arabia

Iran, Iraq look to expand economic ties amid US sanctions

Despite US sanctions, Iranian and Iraqi officials hope to increase economic ties.

Iraq

Hard-liners face backlash in Iranian holy city in wake of 'insulting' open letter

A senior hard-line cleric’s sniping at a grand ayatollah for meeting with Reformists has sparked a backlash that is revealing the depth of clerical opposition to radical conservatives.

Iran