Trump’s integration policies build on Gulf, Turkey ties and Syria success Iran’s influence, and the potential for renewed conflict, complicate progress in Iraq. Iraq
Turkey seizes Iran’s Caspian Airlines jet over $3.4M debt The court-ordered seizure at Istanbul Airport comes as Iranian carriers face mounting pressure from sweeping new US aviation sanctions. Turkey
Analysis As Iran’s grip on Hormuz weakens, what leverage does Tehran have left? Six months into the war, Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz is weakening. The world is slowly learning to live with it, oil flows are recovering, alternative routes are expanding and Tehran's own economy is bearing the cost of keeping the waterway under pressure. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
After indirect talks, new US sanctions target Iran's weapons supply The latest sanctions come after the two sides held another round of indirect talks over a possible deal to end the war. Iran
Iran speaks out against US attempt to reinstate UN sanctions Iran says the United States will suffer another defeat if it attempts to bring back sanctions against Iran. Iran
Iran’s coronavirus death toll hits 20,000 as nation braces for more The mortality figure ticked up to the new milestone just as Iranians prepare for mass religious ceremonies that many fear could further exacerbate the crisis. Iran
Intel: Pompeo says US to trigger snapback sanctions on Iran 'soon' The Donald Trump administration will "soon" act on its threat to trigger a return of international sanctions on Iran, Secretary of State Pompeo said Wednesday after the United States lost its bid to indefinitely extend an arms embargo on Tehran. United States
Iran’s hard-liners push legislation to exit nuclear deal If passed, the legislation proposed by hard-liners would effectively force the government into a farewell to the fragile nuclear deal depending on UN action. United States
Iranian hard-liner under fire after opening Pandora’s box of corruption Allegations of deep-rooted corruption raised by a top hard-line politician against some of Iran’s most powerful institutions have sparked intense infighting and are further blurring the political stage ahead of the next presidential race. Iran
Intel: Iran paid bounties to Taliban for US soldiers, influencing Soleimani strike US officials tell CNN the administration took no action against the Taliban in order to preserve its peace deal with the insurgents. United States
Iran's Rouhani assails UAE-Israeli deal as 'huge mistake' IRGC goes even further, terming the agreement "the biggest betrayal in history." Iran
UN Security Council rejects US-sought extension on Iran arms embargo The resolution failed by a 2-2 vote with 11 abstentions. United States
Intel: Iran’s navy boards oil tanker near Strait of Hormuz, US says A Liberian-flagged ship was seized by Iranian forces in international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US-led maritime security coalition. United States
Iranian official reveals claims of corruption at highest levels Accusations of corruption have led to speculation that a former Iranian official under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration may seek the presidency. Iran
Zarif says UN will vote down US proposal on Iran arms embargo Iran's top diplomat expressed doubt that the United States' last-minute efforts at the UN Security Council will succeed in extending an arms embargo against Iran. United States
What are vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris' views on the Middle East? Joe Biden's running mate has views on Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Syria that fall in line with the Democratic party establishment. Saudi Arabia