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
One year later, Rouhani still selling nuclear deal to Iranians Iranian officials are urging patience in seeing the full results of the comprehensive nuclear deal. Iran
New poll underlines Iranian disappointment with US, nuclear deal A year after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed, most Iranians still support it, but a large majority lacks confidence that the United States will carry out its obligations and believes Washington is trying to prevent other countries from normalizing trade relations with the Islamic Republic. Iran
Saudi prince's endorsement of MEK angers Iranian officials Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud’s attendance at the annual meeting of the People’s Mujahedeen of Iran has angered Iranian officials and media. Saudi Arabia
How the IRGC is trying to tighten its grip on Rouhani A controversial bill on eligibility for appointment to “sensitive" positions would give the IRGC's Intelligence Organization vetting authority parallel with that of Iran's Intelligence Ministry. Iran
Can Bahrain count on Moscow to fill Washington’s shoes? As Bahrain seeks closer ties with Russia, other Arab countries have their doubts about the relationship, yet they recognize Moscow’s growing role in the region amid Washington’s receding influence. Saudi Arabia
5 reasons Rouhani may not win second term With only one year left of Hassan Rouhani's first term, hard-liners are stepping up efforts to make him the first Iranian president not to be re-elected for a second term. Iran
Congress weighs restrictions on Boeing sales to Iran A number of Democrats appear willing to join Republicans in setting conditions on aircraft sales to the Islamic Republic. Congress
Khamenei shakes up Iran's armed forces With three major changes in Iran's armed forces, including chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, Iranian media is speculating that regional developments have required a shift in strategy. Iran
Are Iran, West on collision course over missiles? As Iran makes strides in the development of navigation, guidance and missile systems, the West should consider why Tehran is making such a push. Legacy: Gulf
Khamenei says Iran has not intervened in Bahrain Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran has not intervened in Bahrain and encouraged the island state's leaders to act wisely in order to not turn a political conflict into a civil war. Saudi Arabia
How nuclear deal has cooled Iran-US cyberwar Once-threatening cyberattacks between the United States and Iran appear to have slowed since the countries reached a nuclear pact. United States
Iran mourns its greatest filmmaker Even the conservative media outlets that once criticized Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami are now lamenting the loss of a national treasure. Iran