Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know The US President was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, seen as too close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate put forward by Iraq’s leading Shiite bloc. Iraq
Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies As the Hormuz standoff intensifies, Trump must choose between military escalation, a limited diplomatic deal, or continuing a pressure campaign against Iran. Iran
In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US. Iran
Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates President Donald Trump spoke by phone separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Iran and the possibility of extending the ceasefire. United States
Analysis How long can Iran's economy withstand Trump's naval blockade? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
What Iran lost with Soleimani’s killing The top military commander’s influence went beyond his military prowess, and will be something that no successor can likely replicate. Iraq
US prepares for potential Iranian escalation and Iraq expulsion The Donald Trump administration is bracing for potential Iranian attacks throughout the Middle East after a Pentagon strike killed the paramilitary leader Qasem Soleimani Jan. 3. Iraq
Iraq can’t survive a US-Iran war The Iraqi government is on edge after the United States takes out Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, calls for restraint. Iraq
Top commander's assassination leaves Iran with very few options to retaliate Following Qasem Soleimani's assassination in Iraq, there has been heightened concern about an Iranian reaction. But due to Tehran's economic hardship, decreased support from the public in Middle East societies and international isolation, Iran isn't likely to seek revenge militarily against the United States. Iraq
Like a third wheel, US complicates India-Iran relations Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Tehran recently to work through bilateral relations and pursue a port development project. United States
Intel: Why Ankara is maintaining cautious silence on Soleimani killing Officials in Ankara were awake and concerned in the early morning hours of Jan. 3, after a US strike near Baghdad's airport killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. Yet 18 hours after the strike, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is still silent. Turkey
Iran declares 3 days of mourning after Soleimani killing Iranian leaders have vowed revenge after the killing of the Quds Force chief commander, Qasem Soleimani, by a US drone strike. Iraq
How Russia is reading the killing of Qasem Soleimaini Moscow weighs the implications of the elimination of one of the Middle East's most powerful men. Iraq
Israel’s security chiefs fear possible Iran war Israel’s defense sector lauded the killing of Qasem Soleimani, but is bracing for an aggressive reaction by Iran and an escalation of regional tensions. Iraq
Archive Upfront from Jan 2, 2020 US strike on Iranian military leader sparks escalation fears President Donald Trump authorized a US strike that killed the influential Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani in Iraq early Friday morning, the Pentagon said in a statement. Iraq
Iran VP denies Tehran behind attack inside Iraq Iranian officials have reiterated comments by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that they will not start the war but will fight back against an invasion. Iraq
Pro-Iranian militias behind US Embassy attack in Baghdad The attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad by Iran-backed militias has escalated the tension between Iran and the United States. Iraq
