PMU seeks to secure Iraq-Syria border

The Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Units have requested to take control of the Iraqi-Syrian border, which raises concerns about Iran's interference in Syria.

Iraq

Thousands flee Aleppo as regime regains control

Three years after the opposition took control of Aleppo’s eastern neighborhoods, the Syrian regime’s army, with the help of foreign militias, entered the city and began evacuating civilians to the city’s countryside.

Syria

The remilitarization of Iran's Basij

The Iranian supreme leader’s recent string of new appointments in the upper echelons of the country’s military suggests an impending remilitarization of the Basij.

Iran

Can shared disdain for US improve Russia-Iran ties?

Although Iran and Russia are both fountains of anti-Western rhetoric and sentiments, it is for different reasons and will not necessarily bring the two countries closer together.

Russia

Iranian conservatives unveil candidates ahead of 2017 presidential vote

Despite striving to forge a consensus, Iranian conservatives appear to introduce their own separate candidates ahead of the country’s May 2017 presidential election.

Iran

Will Egypt accept Iran’s offer to supply oil?

Iran has found an opportunity to meet Egypt’s local market needs for petroleum products, but will Egypt seize this opportunity at the expense of its ties with the Gulf countries?

Legacy: Gulf

Obama’s Aleppo defense

US President Barack Obama says the brutality in Aleppo is solely the fault of "the Assad regime and its allies Russia and Iran." Does Israel benefit from Russia’s role in Syria? Bombings in Turkey spur an anti-Kurdish frenzy.

Syria

Rouhani to Sunnis: Iran not seeking 'Shiite crescent'

In a speech before the Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, President Hassan Rouhani sought to send a message of reassurance to the Arab world that Iran is not seeking a "Shiite crescent."

Iran

Iran balks at 'new' British policy toward Persian Gulf region

The UK prime minister’s apparent signaling of a shift in policy toward the Persian Gulf region has met harsh criticism from Iran.

Legacy: Gulf

Common sense lost in Iranian race for ultimate selfie

Like other technologically adept people around the world, Iranians are increasingly becoming fans of the selfie — but to an extent that is truly rare. The question is why Iranians go to the lengths they do to get the ultimate selfie.

Iran

Iranians welcome Rouhani's 'nuclear response' to US efforts to extend sanctions

Iran's divided factions jointly welcome President Hassan Rouhani’s order for work to begin on designing and manufacturing nuclear engines.

Iran

Why Iran is moving to halt exports of raw minerals

The Iranian government’s plan to minimize iron ore exports to boost the production of processed goods jives with realities on the ground.

Iran