Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hezbollah commanders killed as renewed strikes test Lebanon-Israel talks Israeli strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon raise new doubts over a fragile ceasefire ahead of expected talks in Washington. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Business & Tech Brent dips on Hormuz, Iran deal optimism Energy markets swing on Iran deal hopes as Hormuz disruption drives global costs higher. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Iran, China discuss Hormuz reopening amid potential US-Iran talks China’s foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart that “persisting in negotiations is particularly important.” Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks A tentative diplomatic opening with Iran emerges as the US sustains its pressure campaign. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Iran's Gulf gambit: Attacking the UAE to shift US calculations By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran suggests European Union ‘choreograph’ return to nuclear deal Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif doubled down on his stance that the United States must relieve sanctions first but suggested the EU could coordinate mutual steps. United States
Iran mandates quarantine for European travelers The Iranian government also announced that the first batch of coronavirus vaccines will arrive this week. Iran
Iran says coronavirus cases increasing in those under 25 According to an Iranian official, hospitalizations in Tehran have increased and they are seeing an uptick in positive cases among individuals under 25 years old. Iran
Biden picks Robert Malley as special envoy for Iran Malley, who currently runs the International Crisis Group in DC, will oversee Biden's efforts to rejoin the Iranian nuclear agreement. United States
Pentagon reassures Middle East partners on deterring Iran The US military is signaling its show of force against Tehran may continue as the State Department explores paths toward a renewed nuclear agreement. United States
Intel: Progressives defend Robert Malley as Biden's possible Iran envoy Critics accuse the former Obama official of overlooking Iran's human rights record. Congress
Iran reaches 20% uranium enrichment The increase in enrichment levels complicates the Biden administration's efforts to get Iran to return to compliance before reentering the Iran nuclear deal. United States
Iran’s FM tweets 'reality check' to US on nuclear deal Iran's foreign minister responded over Twitter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's comments regarding US reentry to the deal. United States
Could humanitarian bank project advance US, Iranian interests? The complex network of sanctions on Iran means that even exempted humanitarian transactions remain difficult, and a humanitarian bank could provide the Iranian-American community with a legitimate, closely monitored channel to conduct business as well as prevent black market activities. Iran
The Takeaway: Timing of return to nuclear deal depends on Iran Blinken reiterates Biden policy to return to nuclear deal, once Iran is in compliance; Israel readies its war room as possible last resort. Israel
Iran hosts Taliban delegation to discuss US presence in Afghanistan Both Iranian and Taliban officials criticized the United States' role in Afghanistan during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, amid peace talks in Qatar. Iran
Biden Administration increases B-52 bombers in region as deterrent to Iran The United States Air Force has sent a sixth sortie of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over the Middle East. United States
