Iraqi Kurdistan oil a slippery issue

Ownership of Iraqi Kurdistan oil is a major source of friction between Baghdad and Erbil, while Turkey and Iran compete for lucrative oil transport contracts.

Iraq

Why did Oman join Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism alliance?

Oman joins the 40-member Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism, yet still strikes a balance while refusing to distance itself from Iran in order to please Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia

Iran hard-liners ask judiciary to detain president’s brother

Iranian hard-liners are once again accusing President Hassan Rouhani’s brother of economic corruption and asking the judiciary to detain him.

Iran

Should Iran worry about Putin throwing it under the bus?

Iranian officials have always had a pessimistic outlook toward Russia, which could serve them well given the apparent possibility of closer US-Russian relations under Donald Trump.

Syria

Will Iran’s president be barred from running for second term?

With only months left of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's first term, speculation rises about the possible disqualification of his expected bid for re-election in May.

Iran

How Rouhani’s main asset became his biggest liability

Seeing the nuclear deal — what was supposed to be his main asset — turn into his main liability, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s best bet is continued disunity among his conservative foes.

Iran

Three days in March: New details on how US, Iran opened direct talks

Al-Monitor has learned that in the first few days of March, American officials secretly met with an Iranian delegation at a beach-side villa in Oman.

Iran

Iran judiciary chief clashes with Rouhani once again

The conservative head of Iran’s judiciary says the president has been accused of getting money from a jailed billionaire.

Iran

Turkish-Iranian rivalry may derail Syrian peace efforts

Despite the Moscow Declaration, in which Russia, Turkey and Iran pledged joint efforts to end the war in Syria, the ongoing regional rivalry between Ankara and Tehran could lead to snags in the settlement process.

Syria

How Iran sees Russian-Turkish deal on Syria

Although it was left out of Russia and Turkey’s announcement of a cease-fire agreement in Syria, Iran is very much involved on the stage as the Moscow-Ankara accord builds on a trilateral understanding with Tehran.

Syria

Is Erdogan trying to wreck US-Turkey relations?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims he has “evidence” of US support for the Islamic State; Iranian President Hassan Rouhani applauds valuable “victory” in Aleppo.

Syria

Bahrain shifts foreign policy with eye on Turkey

Bahraini officials want to deepen their ties with Turkey as regional politics become more unstable.

Legacy: Gulf