US strikes on Indian-crewed tankers spark tensions with New Delhi India summoned the US deputy chief of mission in Delhi on Friday to protest American strikes on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman. Iran
Analysis 'A complete disaster': Israel scrambles for clarity as Trump touts emerging Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relayed Israel’s red lines to Trump, but given the current rift between the two leaders, the demands may be little more than a wish list. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran-US draft deal would release $24B in funds, ensure Lebanon ceasefire: Iranian media The draft circulating in Iranian state media, which Trump denied on Friday, would grant Tehran sanctions relief and access to billions in frozen funds while limiting final talks to nuclear issues and excluding its missile program and proxies. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no final decision yet on deal Tehran says a deal is not yet finalized as Washington drops a major case against Turkey and Riyadh restores trade ties with Lebanon. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Soccer politics reaches fever pitch in Iran Despite promises to promote the privatization of soccer, Iranian authorities retain a firm grip over the sport in the country. Iran
Iranian wrestler’s deliberate loss stirs controversy The story of an Iranian wrestler who was pressured to lose against a Russian opponent to avoid facing an Israeli wrestler has caused controversy in Iran. Israel
Sochi summit leaves Turkey facing unsavory possibilities It's unknown how far Moscow will go to appease Ankara with regard to the Syrian Kurds. Syria
Four-year-old siege still punishing civilians in Syria's Yarmouk camp Despite talk of negotiations and a breakthrough, the siege imposed by the Syrian regime on the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus continues to claim the lives of civilians. Syria
Iran prosecutor gets two years for being 'accessory to murder' of protesters A former Iranian prosecutor receives a two-year sentence for murders at a notorious prison. Iran
Earthquake response shows Iranians' nationalism — and mistrust of authorities While ordinary Iranians’ response to the deadly Nov. 12 earthquake has been a show of national solidarity, it also displayed mistrust in authorities. Iran
Why did Hariri go to Cairo before returning home to Lebanon? To spare the Middle East another battleground, Cairo played a role in containing the crisis of the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Saudi Arabia
Is Saudi crown prince winning or losing in the Middle East? With Saad Hariri staying on as prime minister in Lebanon, the Saudi crown prince has suffered another setback in his efforts to counter Iran. Saudi Arabia
Imprudent foreign financing could jeopardize Iran’s economy Contrary to common wisdom, not all foreign financing, especially the type currently trickling into Iran, is good for state finances and the country’s economy. Iran
Iranian media: Sochi summit step toward 'new Middle East' Iranian media reported on the trilateral meeting between the presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Sochi as a step toward a new Middle East. Syria
Why UK-US divide on Iranian nuclear deal matters Rather than France or Germany, it is Britain that could prove essential in determining the fate of the nuclear deal with Iran. United States
IDF prepares for 'new' Syria Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman is asking for an increased budget for the Israel Defense Forces to prepare itself against new threats developing along its northern border with Syria. Israel