Newsletter: Gulf

Kuwait’s Iran dilemma is getting harder to ignore

Kuwait has long sought to position itself as one of the Gulf’s most cautious and diplomatic actors. This week, however, the country found itself at the center of a conflict it has consistently tried to avoid.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Explainer

Turkey warns Greece, Cyprus not to engage in arms race: What to know

Ankara is alarmed by Greece's military modernization, Cyprus’ shift to Western arms and expanding Greece-Cyprus-Israel defense ties.

Turkey

What’s in new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal — and what’s missing?

Hezbollah’s insistence on continuing to fight off Israeli attacks, along with Israel’s ongoing airstrikes in Lebanon, could threaten the implementation of the latest US-brokered ceasefire.

Lebanon

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Iran says no progress in US talks as Khamenei warns of foreign plots

Iran reports no progress in talks with Washington, Israel presses ahead in Lebanon, and Armenia votes on its geopolitical future.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Analysis

Why Iran strikes on Kuwait pose dilemma for US Navy’s blockade

By striking Kuwait's main airport, the IRGC has attempted to flip the escalation script after US aircraft fired Hellfire missiles to disable commercial oil tankers accused of trying to outrun the US Navy’s blockade.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Feature

Backed by Trump and Turkey, Armenia's Pashinyan eyes third term in pivotal poll

As Russia and the West vie for influence, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan appears on track to secure a new mandate for his peace agenda with Azerbaijan and rapprochement with Turkey.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Iran's covert nuclear risk higher after war as IAEA access constrained: Report

Iran is estimated to possess about 440.9 kilograms, approximately 972 pounds, of uranium enriched to 60% purity, just below the 90% level considered weapons-grade.

Iran

After Gulf attacks, Rubio faces pushback on 'war is over' claim

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the latest US strikes on Iran are "completely defensive."

Iran

Egypt, Turkey push energy ties in Azerbaijan talks amid Hormuz crisis

Egypt and Turkey are moving to deepen energy cooperation as Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts Gulf energy flows, increasing the significance of Eastern Mediterranean energy infrastructure.

Turkey

Kuwait blames Iran for deadly airport attack as war escalates: What to know

The attack on Kuwait’s main airport follows an alleged IRGC infiltration attempt of the strategic Bubiyan Island and Iran-backed plots targeting the Gulf monarchy.

Kuwait

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Iran attack on Kuwait airport kills one, halts flights

Iran’s attacks reach Kuwait, a US veto rattles Netanyahu and Egypt signals its unease with Syria’s new leadership.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Analysis

Why Iran sees Lebanon as proof that its deterrence still works

Iran is characterizing any Israeli pause in strikes on Beirut as proof of its renewed influence and leverage in an episode that could also expose uncertain regional recalibration.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics