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
US, Iraq to begin talks over potential end to coalition presence There have been no decisions to withdraw US troops from either Iraq or Syria, US officials say, but the Biden administration is open to weighing future options. Iraq
While hosting Iran’s Raisi, Turkey’s Erdogan avoids harsh criticism of Israel Erdogan's measured tone on Israel comes in midst of US-Turkey rapprochement following Ankara's ratification of Sweden's entry into NATO this week. Turkey
Iraq slams latest US airstrikes on Kataib Hezbollah sites Latest strikes put new pressure on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani over the US troop presence in Iraq. Iraq
Interview Iran sent US back-channel messages on risk of wider regional war, FM says In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tehran is not seeking a wider regional conflict, even as his country's network of militias across the Middle East are stepping up attacks on US bases and ships. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Foreign Minister of Iran
Two US Navy SEALs presumed dead after anti-Houthi raid: Pentagon The two special operators are presumed dead after attempting to board a stateless boat off Somalia earlier this month. Legacy: Gulf
Soldier arrested in Iran after inside attack killing 5 troops in Kerman The latest incident involves the killing of five soldiers by a fellow conscript in Kerman, which was the scene of a deadly bombing claimed by ISIS earlier this month. Iran
India secures trade, power with new naval role in Middle East Without aligning directly with the US-led mission against the Houthis in Yemen, the Indian navy's independent operations set a precedent for India's evolving military posture in West Asia and mark a departure from its traditional strategic restraint. By Mohammed Soliman In Washington, DC, reporting on Gulf politics
Davos 2024: IAEA chief says monitoring of Iran nuclear sites 'not at a good place' Asked by Al-Monitor if Iran was close to enriching weapons-grade uranium, Grossi responded, “They are already there.” Iran
Fourth round of US strikes in Yemen as Houthis vow retaliation The US launched the strikes just hours after the Houthis hit a US-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel off Yemen's southern coast on Wednesday. Legacy: Gulf
Iran-Pakistan tensions simmer after strikes, IRGC officer killed in southeast Iran is seeking to contain the damage to its relationship with Pakistan following a deadly Iranian military strike in Pakistani territory targeting a dissident group. Iran
US launches new strikes on Houthi missile sites in Yemen as deterrence falters The US military struck Houthi ballistic missiles on the ground, as the Yemeni faction defied previous allied strikes designed to cripple their ability to attack ships in the Red Sea. Legacy: Gulf
Who is Peshraw Dizayee, Kurdish-Iraqi businessman killed in Iran's attack? Iran claimed it targeted “spy bases” belonging to Israel’s spy agency in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, but several civilians were also killed in the strike. Iraq
