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
Family of US citizen killed in IRGC strikes sues Iran Omar Mahmoudzadeh was killed this September in an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in northern Iraq. His family's lawyer says the Biden administration downplayed his death. Iran
US, Saudi Arabia to conduct first counter-drone exercise without allies As tensions heat up with Iran, the Pentagon hopes the Red Sands exercises will convince allies in the Middle East that Western counter-drone technology is still better than China's. Legacy: Gulf
Top US general visits Israel amid increasing tensions with Iran The Pentagon’s top-ranking officer, Gen. Mark Milley, landed in Israel on Friday to coordinate with senior military officials on Iran strategy. Israel
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to visit Israel, Jordan, Egypt The Pentagon chief's second tour of the Middle East comes as diplomatic efforts to return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal appear to have run out of gas. Legacy: Gulf
Iran's oil, petrochemical trade hit with new US sanctions The designated firms are located in Iran, China, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates. Iran
Iran enriched uranium at 83.7%, close to weapons grade: UN watchdog The news is alarming for Israel, but Iran denied other recent reports that asserted they enriched uranium close to the 90% threshold for a nuclear weapon. Iran
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to visit Middle East as Iran threat builds Lloyd Austin's visit to the region as Biden's defense secretary is intended as a signal of reassurance as Iran continues to arm and fund proxy militias throughout the region. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Taliban releases Iran border guard, moves into Afghanistan's Embassy in Tehran Iran has had a complicated relationship with the Taliban since the group resumed control over Afghanistan. Iran
Analysis Ukraine war at year 1: Iran’s drones to Russia derail nuclear diplomacy Plus, the family of a US resident on death row in Iran speaks out, and a deadly Israeli raid on Nablus raises State Department concerns. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Iran floats adherence to NPT, dialogue on Ukraine as JCPOA fades Iranian officials say a nuclear deal is still possible, but US says it’s up to Tehran. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
In Iraq, Macron seeks bigger sphere of influence for France In less than a month, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted both Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani as Paris works to revive its influence in the region and counter China and Iran. Iraq
US Military: Iranian drone hit Israeli-owned tanker in Arabian Sea The drone attack on the Campo Square tanker is at least the fourth suspected Iranian attack targeting a commercial vessel linked to Israeli businessmen in just two years. Iran
