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
Pressure on Biden mounts with Namazi hunger strike in Iran As Siamak Namazi, a US citizen, starts a week-long hunger strike to protest his seven-year detention, Iran said his release is possible if the United States shows the "political will" to reach a deal. Iran
Gas-rich Iran apologizes to citizens over chaotic shortages Despite sitting on the world's second-largest gas reserves, Iran has in recent days witnessed the chaotic management of its household gas heating, which is adding further to a host of unaddressed public grievances. Iran
South Korea-UAE visit showcases alignment on arms, energy deals A $30 billion pledge from the UAE to invest in South Korean industries was one outcome of the four-day visit By Salim A. Essaid
Suicide rates on rise in Iran as economic conditions grow more dire Amid a rapidly deteriorating economic situation in Iran, news reports says that some workers are taking their own lives due to poverty. Iran
Iran releases taped 'confessions' by dual British citizen sentenced to death Iran's state media outlets have released a video of Alireza Akbari allegedly confessing to his crimes a day after his death sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court. Iran
Western allies join US' experimental drone task force in Middle East Task Force 59 is now fully operationally capable, Fifth Fleet commander Vice Adm. Brad Cooper told an audience of Navy personnel in Washington on Tuesday. Legacy: Gulf
US Navy seizes load of rifles smuggled from Iran to Yemen Navy officials say the sea drones deployed by the Fifth Fleet's experimental Task Force 59 are contributing to their ability to monitor Middle Eastern waterways, but won't credit the units with enabling any specific seizures just yet. Legacy: Gulf
'Death to Khamenei' slogan to be allowed on Facebook, Meta says Meta’s decision came amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, and contrasts with its ruling on calls for Russian president Putin’s death. Iran
Iraqi PM condemns former US administration for killing Soleimani At a ceremony marking the anniversary of the assassination of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemned the former US administration for carrying out the strikes. Iraq
Iraq judicial chief highlights arrest warrant for Trump over Soleimani killing The 2020 US airstrike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad continues to be a sore point between the US and Iraqi governments. Iraq
Analysis Iran deal becomes latest casualty of Russia's war in Ukraine US, European and Iranian diplomats explain how the negotiations on a return to the Iran nuclear deal have been eclipsed by Russia’s war on Ukraine. By Ali Hashem In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict
Analysis US top Middle East commander tests new model of deterring Iran As the Pentagon shifts focus to China and Russia, CENTCOM’s chief is banking on experimentation with unmanned surveillance and artificial intelligence to offset a smaller US footprint in the Middle East. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
