Analysis What's behind Iran’s intensifying attacks on shipping in Hormuz? With renewed tanker attacks, Tehran is betting to make Hormuz passage costly enough for Washington and strengthen the tool with election-related pressure President Trump is currently facing. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran’s IRGC says 5 killed in Baluchistan after dismantling ‘militant cell’: What to know Iran’s IRGC announced a new operation against armed militants in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan, which is witnessing almost daily attacks and clashes. Iran
Exclusive In bid to win over Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu may strike Yemen before elections Attacks on Iran or its Yemeni proxy before the elections cannot be ruled out, but the Israeli prime minister appears more inclined to support Saudi Arabia against the Houthis in Yemen. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Putin offers to help end Iran war, but can Russia deliver? As Washington and Tehran weigh their next moves, Moscow is seeking a diplomatic foothold in a war where influence may prove harder to convert into concrete results. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Deal or war? Israel fears fallout from Trump’s next move on Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Rouhani supports Erdogan after coup attempt Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the phone to express his support for the Turkish leader after the failed coup attempt. Syria
One year after nuclear deal, Iran receives S-300 missiles Iran is now receiving the missile parts of the S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system from Russia. Russia
Why Iran needs to fight Saudi Arabia to forge peace Despite all the challenges it poses for Iran, Saudi Arabia’s regional policy and strategic behavior is still not perceived as a threat in Tehran — but could failing to respond be a mistake? Saudi Arabia
Why Iran shouldn’t get too excited about Brexit Some Iranians believe Brexit will positively affect trade relations between Britain and Iran, but economists warn against expecting significant changes. Iran
Iraqis wary of political role for Popular Mobilization Units Signs indicate that the PMU hopes to assume a political role in Iraq, which has raised concerns among some Iraqis. Iraq
Saudi Arabia's Faisal: Iran is breeding chaos through Hamas Hamas tries to explain away Saudi Arabia's harsh words for the organization, as alliances appear to be shifting in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Channel to monitor Iranian procurement awaits real test A new organization created by the Iran nuclear deal is waiting for foreign companies to seek approval to sell Iran nuclear-related goods and services and other items with possible military applications. United States
Rouhani's staff reshuffle fails to satisfy critics Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has made changes to two vice presidential positions, but the move did little to reassure those watching the economy continue to decline. Iran
Iran takes page from US Treasury’s playbook Having spent two years on negotiating the nuclear deal, it seems that Iran’s foreign minister is now focusing his efforts on making sure that the JCPOA is effectively implemented. United States
Iranian negotiator: Blocking sale of planes is violation of deal Is the question of the sale of Boeing aircraft to Iran a make or break issue for the nuclear deal? United States
Why some Iraqi Shiites are pushing for distance from Iran Iraqi Shiites are dividing over their stance toward Iran, as the disagreement with Iran rose up among Shiites affiliated to Najaf. Iraq
Rouhani banks on small businesses to generate big growth Even though they constitute more than 85% of businesses in the country, Iran's small- to medium-sized enterprises generate a mere 14.7% of GDP and less than 30% of employment, leading the administration to focus on boosting this crucial sector. Iran