Analysis From Hormuz to data centers: How Iran’s threats are raising stakes of renewed war As the prospect of renewed conflict looms, Tehran is escalating warnings that another war would impose prohibitive costs on Washington, its allies and global markets. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
UAE battles tanker oil spill as war's environmental toll mounts Gulf oil spills have become more frequent since the beginning of the US-Israel-Iran war on Feb. 28. United Arab Emirates
Analysis How Netanyahu could attack Iran to force Israel into unity government after elections While a strike against Iran before the Oct. 27 elections appears unlikely, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could launch one immediately afterward to pressure his rivals into joining a wartime unity government. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
How Israel’s election could shape next phase of Iran war Most of the Israeli prime minister's main rivals in the Oct. 27 election agree that Israel's war to overthrow the Iranian regime should continue, but only he claims to have President Donald Trump's blessing to do so. Israel
Gulf oil exports surpass prewar levels despite escalating tanker attacks By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis How Lavrov's Tehran visit tests limits of Russia's influence over Iran By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
China's Saudi-Iran deal clouded by uncertainty on protests, nuclear talks The evolution of the Saudi-Iranian agreement hinges the factors that led to it: Iran’s nuclear program and political unrest, future of Russia’s war in Ukraine, US-China relations, and whether these will lead to a new world order. Legacy: Gulf
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
