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
Iran taking Saudi rhetoric, actions seriously The Saudi-Iranian clash that has Lebanon swirling in the middle could spiral out of control. Saudi Arabia
Kurds divided over blame for loss of Kirkuk The recapture of Kirkuk by Iraqi forces in the aftermath of the independence referendum is a heavy blow for Kurds in Iran, Syria and Turkey. Iraq
Congress deepens US-Israel missile alliance Congress’ annual defense bill tops Trump budget request by $500 million amid rising Iranian threat. Israel
Pakistan army chief makes historic visit to Iran Pakistan's army chief paid a rare visit to Iran's civil and military leadership in a bid for military cooperation. Iran
Iran drawing closer to Azerbaijan Long marred by political tensions largely driven by Iranian suspicions of Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel, relations between Baku and Tehran are beginning to reach new heights. Iran
Gold trader case threatens economic fallout for Turkey The sanctions-busting case against Iranian-Turkish businessman Reza Zarrab in the United States has raised the specter of continuing tensions in US-Turkish bilateral ties, with serious implications for the Turkish economy. Turkey
Iran’s debt market emerges as key to economic future The Iranian debt market has emerged as a key venue — and battleground — for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's administration to realize its economic aims. Iran
Shock suspension of Iranian hard-line daily over headline Kayhan, the mouthpiece of Iran’s hard-liners, has been suspended for two days after a headline suggesting that Yemen’s Houthi movement will attack Dubai. Saudi Arabia
Russia, Oman size each other up as potential Mideast allies Despite a challenging history, Russia finds common ground with Oman, which sometimes seems the "odd man out" in the Gulf. Oman
EU push to save Iran deal gets frosty reception on Capitol Hill EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini faced a tough audience with Republicans threatening new sanctions on Iran. Congress
Controversy in Iran over headline targeting Dubai A headline perceived as belligerent sparks a broad backlash against the hard-line Iranian daily Kayhan. Saudi Arabia
The other Iranians fighting in Iraq While much focus was on Iranian fighters among the Iraqi forces that retook disputed areas in October, other Iranian fighters played a key role in the other side of the fight. Iraq