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
10 soldiers killed in Yemen as fighting with Houthis resumes in Marib The fighting in oil-rich Marib is disrupting renewed efforts to end the Yemeni war amid the cautious optimism that has followed the Saudi-Iranian deal. Legacy: Gulf
Pakistan sees opportunities, questions in China's Iran-Saudi deal Having often been caught in the middle between the rivals, Pakistan is looking forward to calmer Saudi-Iran relations and reaping economic benefits through its partner, China. Legacy: Gulf
US imposes fresh sanctions over Iran drone procurement The US Treasury Department designated four entities and three people, including one based in Turkey, accused of aiding Iran's drone and weapons programs. Iran
US outlines Iran abuses including torture in annual report Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the international community to confront Iran's violent clampdown on protests. Iran
US officials skeptical of China's deal but concerned about deterring Iran China’s diplomatic reach into heart of Middle East was an unmistakable signal to Washington. Read more in the weekly security-focused newsletter from Al-Monitor’s Pentagon Correspondent Jared Szuba. Legacy: Gulf
Iran committed 'horrific acts of torture' against detained children says Amnesty The London-based organization says Iranian intelligence and security forces used brutal torture methods against children as young as 12 who were arrested in the crackdown on the country’s protests. Iran
Pentagon sees ‘spike’ in armed Russian flyovers of US troops in Syria CENTCOM commander Michael “Erik” Kurilla told Congress about ongoing 'aggressive' behavior by Russian pilots, following the downing of a US MQ-9 drone over the Black Sea. Syria
Saudi Arabia finally gets a US ambassador after 2-year vacancy The career diplomat’s confirmation follows China's brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as improving relations between Washington and Riyadh. Legacy: Gulf
Top Iran official meets UAE's Mohammed bin Zayed after Saudi thaw On his trip to Abu Dhabi, Iran's Ali Shamkhani spoke of "constructive" engagement as Tehran is exhausting all channels to push back on its growing isolation. Iran
Israel to provide Ukraine with anti-drone systems, as Netanyahu visits Germany Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone on the offensive, arguing in Berlin that his judicial reform will strengthen Israeli democracy, not weaken it. Israel
'No pretext to delay' Iraqi Kurdistan parliament elections, says Masoud Barzani Iraqi Kurdish leader, in exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, cites "positive atmosphere" of budget talks, discusses prospects for oil law, relations with the United States, Iran, China and issues affecting the Kurdish people in Iraq and the region. Iraq
