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
The Takeaway: Can sanctions curb Iran's protest crackdown? Plus, a top Republican lawmaker questions the Biden administration's Syria policy and the US announces support for Lebanon's security forces. Iran
Iran bolsters ties with China and Venezuela despite US sanctions Iranian oil exports to China are on the rise, and the Islamic Republic’s relations with Venezuela are moving beyond energy matters, as the South American country recently received 1,000 vehicles from the Iranian automobile firm Saipa. Iran
US, Israel kick off largest ever military exercise as Iran nuclear talks falter As Iran turns to Russia for advanced fighter jets, the race is on to ensure the United States can actually stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon — and to dissuade the new Israeli government from acting unilaterally. Israel
'Bring us home': American held in Iran ends weeklong hunger strike “Don't let President Biden leave us in this abyss of misery,” Siamak Namazi said in a letter penned from prison. Iran
EU rolls out new Iran sanctions but does not designate IRGC as terrorists European foreign ministers have added 37 names to the list of Iranian individuals and entities subject to sanctions, but did not call for designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist group. Iran
Iran leans on Russia, hopes for Sukhoi sale as EU pressure mounts Tehran is increasingly boosting its military ties with Moscow, hoping for Sukhoi sale, amid dim prospects for the revival of the nuclear deal and a wave of fresh sanctions over its crackdown on dissent at home. Iran
In restive Iran-Iraq border area, support for firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr holds strong Al-Monitor traveled to Iraq’s impoverished southeast, known for drug smuggling and militia violence, to explore the continued support there for the Sadr movement. Iraq
Iran top official threatens EU militaries as IRGC terror designation looms Europe’s ties with the Islamic Republic have been worsening since the anti-government protests began in Iran last year. Iran
Drone attack hits Tanf US base in Syria The normally quiet al-Tanf base occupies a remote stretch of the Baghdad-Damascus highway on Syria's southern border with Jordan and Iraq. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
South Korea, Iran summon ambassadors after 'enemy' comments South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described Iran as the “enemy” of the UAE during a visit to the Gulf state, but the East Asian country insists the remarks are being taken out of context. Iran
Explainer: Turkey’s Halkbank appeals to US Supreme Court in Iran sanctions case The case comes at a tense time in US-Turkey relations as the Biden administration weighs whether to sell F-16 jets to Turkey. Turkey
Jake Sullivan arrives in Israel as Netanyahu's government faces crisis The US national security adviser's visit comes as the Biden administration seeks clarity on the Netanyahu government's intentions toward the Palestinians and in the middle of an internal crisis. By AL-MONITOR Staff