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
How Leonardo DiCaprio became unlikely champion in Iran Iranians are elated that actor Leonardo DiCaprio is helping to raise awareness of the drying of Lake Urmia. Iran
Iraqis divided over Soleimani's role in their country Iran's Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani is stirring controversy in the Iraqi street, where citizens are waving both Iranian and Iraqi flags during demonstrations for or against his presence. Iraq
Will Iran stop executions for drug offenses? Mohammad Javad Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Human Rights Council, has been joined by other officials in his repeated calls to cut down on executions for drug offenses. Iran
Rouhani’s greatest win on the verge of becoming liability Both ends of the bargain of the nuclear deal must be delivered to ensure the agreement will be a lasting legacy. Iran
Last year's disaster offers Saudis excuse to clamp down on hajj The Saudi Interior Ministry is doing everything it can to keep this year's hajj season tragedy-free — including, conveniently, shutting out Iranian pilgrims over visa problems. Saudi Arabia
Why Iran should focus on Turkey, not Russia, for Syria cooperation Despite all talk of a nascent Russian-Iranian alliance, it appears that Iranian interests — and the objective of peace in Syria — are perhaps best served through Iranian-Turkish cooperation. Turkey
Is Rafsanjani’s daughter headed for more legal trouble? Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani faces possible legal action after appearing in a photo with leaders of Iran’s Baha’i community. Iran
Who will be Iran's next speaker of parliament? The competition for the position of parliament speaker is heating up in Iran. Iran
How Supreme Court decision to freeze Iran assets undermines US foreign policy The US Supreme Court’s decision to seize Iranian assets to compensate terror victims is creating a backlash that undermines US business interests and could sabotage US foreign policy. Iran
Iran parliament seeks damages for US support of Saddam Iranian parliament passes bill to seek American assets for US actions taken against Iran in the past 63 years. Iran
The real 'back pain' behind head of Iranian broadcaster's resignation There appear to have been bigger issues at play than "back pain" in the abrupt resignation of the head of the Iranian state broadcaster only 18 months on the job. Iran
Four ways US seizure of Iranian assets will impact bilateral ties The US Supreme Court ruling to confiscate $2 billion worth of Iranian assets to compensate American victims of terrorist attacks has several consequences that will impact bilateral ties between the two countries. Iran