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
Analysis Iran should be catalyst for Israel-Saudi normalization Saudi-Israeli diplomatic relations could also give a financial and political boost to the moribund two-state solution. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Iraqi dinar falls 17% against dollar amid US restrictions over Iran deals The current depreciation follows 14 Iraqi banks being barred from using the dollar amid a crackdown on smuggling to Iran. Iraq
Iran unveils new ballistic missile after US deployment to Gulf Iranian officials said they had already mass-produced the "radar-evading" missile, which relies on artificial intelligence and is capable of "completely destroying" any frigate. Iran
Iran shrugs off fresh US reinforcements in Persian Gulf, boasts drone power The latest episode of potential US-Iran tensions in the Persian Gulf ensued Iranian encounters with commercial vessels in the strategic oil passage, the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
US seeking release of fourth American held in Iran National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the administration was working to bring home "four unjustly detained Americans" in Iran. Iran
Analysis Israeli army faces internal fissures over judicial overhaul as Iran watches The refusal of hundreds of pilots and air force officers to show up for volunteer reserve duty marks the unprecedented rift hovering over Israel’s society generated by the government’s judicial overhaul plan. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pentagon sends US Marines to deter Iran tanker seizures in Persian Gulf A Marine Expeditionary Unit will follow F-35s, F-16s and a Navy destroyer in deployment to the region to ward off Tehran's retaliatory seizures. Legacy: Gulf
Top US general pumps brakes on sending more forces to confront Russia in Syria Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley suggested there's little the US can do to stop Russian fighter pilots' free rein over Syria's skies but warned American forces will defend themselves if they detect "hostile intent." Syria
Biden pledges Iran 'never acquires nuclear weapon' as he hosts Israel’s Herzog In his comment before his meeting with Israel's President Isaac Herzog, President Joe Biden did not address the Netanyahu government's judicial overhaul plan. But he did reiterate the US commitment to Israel's security and the strong ties between the two countries. Israel
Iran declares 'efficient deterrence' against any military strike Iran has in recent years shown off its military advancements, particularly its drones and ballistic missiles, shrugging off Western worries that it is escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East. Iran
US sends F-35s, Navy destroyer to Middle East amid aggressive moves by Russia, Iran The Pentagon is bolstering its defenses in the region as Congress presses the Biden administration to crack down on Iran's oil and gas exports. Iran
Russia, Iran quietly coordinating in Syria to pressure US, official says Russia is trying to squeeze the US out of Syria's airspace while the IRGC continues to flow weapons used to attack US bases into the country, a senior military official said. Syria
