Iraq’s Zaidi doubles down on militia disarmament, boosting oil exports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the comments amid Hormuz-related export struggles and a nearing deadline for armed groups to disarm. Iraq
Caught in the middle, Oman shrugs off Trump's latest Iran threat For the second time in months, President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the US partner as it holds talks with Iran. Oman
Houthis claim new strikes on Saudi Arabia after IRGC warning: What to know A senior Iranian commander said Saudi Arabia will be unable to the defeat the Yemeni group as the conflict intensifies. Yemen
China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Exclusive Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq amid talks with Tehran By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US, Iraq defense chiefs discuss post-Islamic State strategy Congress has long sought answers as to how the Pentagon plans to prepare Iraq’s military forces to stand on their own after the defeat of the Islamic State. This week, the Biden administration took a first step. Iraq
Iran moves US prisoners to house arrest ahead of planned exchange Under a detainee deal negotiated between Washington and Tehran, several US citizens imprisoned in Iran have been transferred to house arrest in a step toward their full release. Iran
UAE president meets US national security adviser amid regional tensions National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s trip to Abu Dhabi comes amid US military maneuvers aimed at countering Iran in the Gulf. United Arab Emirates
Iran warns of more ship seizures in defiance of US Marines' Gulf deployment Tehran ratcheted up its rhetoric against Washington in the wake of fresh American reinforcement in the Persian Gulf, prompted by the Iranian "harassment" of international commercial ships there. Iran
Why is US sending 3,000 Navy, Marines force to Persian Gulf? The Pentagon has not yet specified the Marines' role in deterring Iran from interfering with commercial shipping and threatening neighboring Arab states. Iran
Iran’s foreign minister meets Japanese counterpart in rare Tokyo trip Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's visit to Japan comes amid mounting tensions in the region over Iran’s nuclear activities and attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf. Iran
Analysis Biden considers raising stakes for escalation with Iran in Gulf Iraq’s quiet may be misleading; Israel-Hezbollah tensions increase; Russia depends more on Iran than the reverse; Raisi visits Africa. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Pentagon aims to use Marines to defend commercial tankers from Iran Iran’s retaliation for US seizures of sanctioned oil shipments has drawn the military back into the Persian Gulf, but will the Biden administration authorize it to engage? Iran
Iran president Raisi invites UAE's MBZ to visit Tehran The invite was extended on the same day that Iran conducted a naval drill on Abu Musa Island, which is disputed with the UAE. United Arab Emirates
11 Baluchi men executed in Iran as morality police returns to streets The executions are seen as a way to intimidate the public, while the morality police resumed its work to enforce Iran’s strict Islamic dress code. Iran
Iran's IRGC holds military drills at disputed UAE islands Iran held war games as a top oil official said the Islamic Republic will not give up “one iota” of its rights to the disputed Durra gas field in a potential sign of tension with Arab Gulf states. Iran
Iran drones venture into South America market with Bolivia as new customer Iran was seen attempting to expand its sway in Latin America after Bolivia expressed interest in purchasing Iranian drones and reports said the Venezuelan navy had started using Iran-made attack boats that could be mounted with ballistic missiles. Iran
