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
Iran, Russia, China FMs meet, see opportunity in post-US Afghanistan The summit in Uzbekistan brought together regional powers who have been competing in the vacuum left by the US departure from Afghanistan. Iran
CENTCOM eyeing artificial intelligence to counter Iran’s drones, says Kurilla The top commander of US forces in the Middle East expressed concerns over China's inroads the region and told Al-Monitor he wants to turn up the heat at the next Red Sands exercise in Saudi Arabia to simulate more complex drone attacks. Washington Connection
Iranian-born US woman sentenced in plot to kidnap Masih Alinejad Niloufar Bahadorifar, sentenced to prison, had pleaded guilty in December for unknowingly supporting an alleged Iranian plot to kidnap activist Masih Alinejad. Iran
US Navy sends guided-missile submarine to Middle East amid Iran tensions US show of force comes as Pentagon extends aircraft carrier deployment following last month's lethal attack by Iran-backed militias on US personnel in Syria. Iran
CIA director visited Saudi Arabia, aired 'frustration' over Iran, Syria thaw The CIA director met the country's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and reportedly expressed displeasure with Washington being "blindsided" over agreements brokered by China and Russia. Legacy: Gulf
Iran media hails thaw with Saudi Arabia as top diplomats meet in China Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers met in Beijing on Thursday as China's role expands in the Middle East. Iran
Iran, Saudi Arabia FMs meet in China, agree to expand ties Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have agreed to reinstate diplomatic offices and resume flights between the two countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran rules out interim nuclear deal Iranian official dismisses talk of a "less for less" deal as "the outcome of some think tank brainstorming." Iran
China to host Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers as detente moves forward The Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers are meeting in Beijing on Thursday to advance the deal announced last month to restore ties between the two countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran appoints first ambassador to UAE in 8 years as Gulf thaw continues Reza Ameri previously served as Iran’s ambassador to Algeria, Sudan and Eritrea. Legacy: Gulf
Iran vows revenge against Israel after deadly Syria strikes As tensions escalated, Iran's promise of vengeance was also coupled with a pledge to further bolster Syria's defenses against Israel. Iran
Pentagon: 8 Iran-backed fighters killed in Syria strikes An Iranian drone strike against the US military in Syria last week led to significant hostilities. Syria
