Iran's parliament criticizes remaining US sanctions

A report by Iran’s parliament says that the United States has made transactions between Iranian and large European banks challenging, impacting the effects of the nuclear deal.

United States

Trump and Macron seek common ground on Syria, terrorism

Despite tensions over the Paris climate change accord, the two leaders have common interests in the Middle East.

Syria

Iran to US: Worry about your own domestic problems

Iranian officials have criticized US Secretary of Defense James Mattis for accusing Iran of causing instability in the region and saying regime change in Tehran will have to precede renewed ties with the United States.

United States

Pentagon braces for Islamic State insurgency after Mosul

The top US commander in Iraq and Syria warned of a hard-fought insurgency but ruled out a US troop surge.

Iraq

Cozy Tillerson-Erdogan meeting in Turkey raises hope for warming ties

In a positive sign for US-Turkish ties, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held reportedly friendly and lengthy talks with Turkish leaders in Istanbul on the sidelines of a World Petroleum Congress.

Turkey

Ankara may be counting on US-Russian rivalry in Syria

Unable to make its own mark, Ankara continues to vacillate between Moscow and Washington in an apparent effort to secure support to roll back gains by Syrian Kurds it considers terrorists.

Turkey

Pentagon receptive to Tunisian lobbying against proposed Trump aid cut

Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed visited the Pentagon to push back against proposed military aid cuts.

Tunisia

Dueling critics find US, Russia too cozy — or too far apart

The US and Russian presidents covered a lot of ground — including the conflict in Syria — during their unexpectedly long meeting last week, and while the countries’ future relations remain uncertain, the men agreed to disagree on some fronts.

Syria

Turkey potential spoiler of US-Russian progress on Syria

Turkey may find common ground with Damascus and Tehran in its concerns about Syrian Kurds; UNHCR notes trend of "spontaneous returns" in Syria; Turkey seizes property of ancient Christian community.

Iraq

Saudi king shows no signs of slowing aggressive foreign policy

Saudi Arabia has overextended itself militarily and economically and it would behoove it to return to a more traditional approach in its foreign policy.

Saudi Arabia

Defense budget to provide broader Iraq security support

A Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act, set to be released next week, will provide greater leeway for support for Iraqi homeland security.

Iraq

US drops Iraq from list of countries that recruit children for war

Iraq has been dropped from the US list of countries accused of recruiting children for war, which is an achievement for Iraq on the road to keeping its society away from violence.

Iraq