Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
US airstrikes target Iran's Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island American military forces launched their first strikes on the Iranian mainland in more than a month just days after the top US commander for the region said Iranian mines have been cleared from Hormuz shipping lanes. Iran
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis How Iran is readying for economic protests as Trump escalates pressure By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
PMU under pressure to integrate into Iraqi state Following dramatic changes in the leadership of the Popular Mobilization Units, two rockets hit near the US Embassy in Baghdad, signaling discontent with the move. Iraq
Iranian fishermen feel waves of tension from the US Friction between the West and Iran threatens to rile the waters for fishermen near the Strait of Hormuz. United States
Iran hawks cement ties to former US-designated terrorist group United Against Nuclear Iran's CEO embraces the MEK as his group prepared to host Pompeo. United States
Rouhani dismisses European statement on Iran role in Saudi attacks The Iranian president is in New York with a "peace initiative" meant to resolve regional tensions at a time when pressure is building on Tehran over its alleged involvement in attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Saudi Arabia
Former diplomat: Iran attacks create opportunity for talks The Donald Trump administration should use the investigation into suspected Iranian attacks on Saudi oil facilities to de-escalate regional tensions, a former top US diplomat said at an Al-Monitor event Sept. 24. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s Euphrates plans rely on Trump Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is hoping to convince President Donald Trump to accept Turkey's demands about the planned safe zone in northern Syria. Syria
Congress loosens pressure on Egypt just as new anti-Sisi protests emerge Key senators have abandoned efforts to cut Egyptian military aid just as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government clamps down on new protests. Egypt
Does Russia benefit from attack on Saudi oil facility? The attacks on Saudi oil production facilities may bring Russia some short-term benefits, but the picture becomes more complicated in the long run. Legacy: Gulf
Will Egypt ever have female pastors? The ordination of an Egyptian woman in Texas rekindles the debate on whether women can be pastors in Egypt. Egypt
Rouhani to have 'bitter words' for US at UN summit Exuding confidence, President Hassan Rouhani has departed Tehran to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. United States
Trump faces skepticism from allies amid troop deployment The Donald Trump administration will deploy a fresh detachment of US troops to Saudi Arabia after blaming Iran for an attack against a major oil production facility just days ago. Saudi Arabia
Two to watch at the UN General Assembly: Turkey’s Erdogan and Iraq’s Salih Turkish leader meets Trump ahead of safe-zone deadline; Iraqi president offers new direction for Iraq and region. Iraq