Dismissal of electricity minister fails to quell protests in Iraq

After a month of protests in Iraq over the lack of electricity and other public services, the Iraqi prime minister dismissed the minister of electricity, without any clear vision for a solution to the crisis.

Saudi Arabia

Did concert in Iranian holy city topple an ayatollah's ban on music?

The singer Hesameddin Seraj gave the first concert in many, many years in Mashhad, a city known for its religious heritage, leading to speculation about more concerts to come.

Iran

Ankara’s eyes on Idlib as Astana group gathers in Sochi

Representatives from Turkey, Russia and Iran are reportedly meeting in Sochi to discuss the Syrian conflict, and Iran's presence in the war-torn area seems to figure prominently.

Syria

Caution and doubt in Iran as Trump offers direct dialogue

In Iran, political heavyweights respond to US President Donald Trump's sudden offer of "unconditional" talks.

United States

Why is Europe underplaying its hand on Iran?

In a twist, Washington appears more aware of Europe’s ability to impact US sanctions on Iran than Europeans themselves.

United States

Trump says he's ready to meet Iran 'anytime'

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he’d be willing to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani anytime Iran wants, without any preconditions.

United States

Will Iran reinstate its abolished Senate?

Nearly 40 years after the dissolution of the Senate, some Iranian politicians are increasingly speaking about the need to revive the country’s abolished political body.

Iran

After 7 years, Iran's Green Movement leaders may be released

While the news of the likely end of the house arrest for the Green Movement leaders was welcomed, many felt that it was happening too late.

Iran

Yemen war escalates as Houthis threaten UAE, Saudi Arabia

Escalating threats by Yemen's Houthi rebels indicate the group is still not intimidated by the Saudi-led coalition, portending more suffering for Yemeni civilians.

Saudi Arabia

Did Israel nix Russian deal on Iran-backed forces in Syria?

Putin intensifies diplomacy with Israel and Turkey, as Iran adjusts its Syria policy after Helsinki; Damascus and Syrian Kurds keep talking; Al-Monitor breaks story on costs of US Embassy in Jerusalem.

Syria

Is Russia a better fit than the EU to help relieve Iran from sanctions?

While Iran would prefer EU help when it comes to relief from US sanctions, Moscow might be better suited to this role than Europeans.

United States

Iranian Sunni leader makes appeal to Iraq's top Shiite cleric

Iran’s prominent Sunni leader, Molavi Abdul Hamid, sent a letter to Iraqi Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani requesting that he act as a mediator between Iran's Sunni community and the government.

Iraq