Iran floats ‘plan B’ to defuse Hormuz standoff, delay nuclear talks The proposal would postpone negotiations over Iran's nuclear program in an attempt to break the deadlock. Iran
Turkey’s military spending jumps to $30B, leads Mideast growth in 2025 Newly released data shows Ankara’s military spending hit $30 billion, while Saudi Arabia remained the region’s top spender and Israel’s outlays declined in 2025. Turkey
Pistachios reach highest prices in eight years amid Iran war Pistachio prices rose to around $4.57 a pound in March, their highest since 2018, according to data company Expana. Iran
Iran FM meets Putin, Russia’s military intel chief as talks stall: What to know Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed to Russia following visits to Pakistan and Oman over the weekend as talks with Washington are at a standstill. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran FM blames US for failed talks after landing in Russia By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Analysis Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Araghchi’s Russia, regional tour tests path to breaking US-Iran deadlock By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Russia, Iran inaugurate Rasht-Caspian Railway: What we know The railway was launched at a ceremony attended by Iran's acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, Minister of Transport and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, and senior Russian and Azerbaijani officials. Iran
In first debate, Iran’s 6 presidential contenders clash over sanctions, ailing economy The first in a series of live debates was held as part of a campaign by the state broadcaster to instill voter enthusiasm and reverse anticipated apathy in a largely disillusioned electorate. Iran
Iran, Azerbaijan seek to move past tensions with joint military exercise As part of its policy to build regional alliances, Tehran has been seeking to dissuade Azerbaijan against its warming ties with Israel, and to exert influence in the South Caucasus geopolitical calculations. Iran
From Israel to Iran, Modi 3.0 eyes deepening of India's Middle East ties India refuses to be restricted by its former Cold War commitments; as with any other power or wannabe power, only self-interest matters, and the oil monarchies of the Gulf top India's list of friends in the region. Iran
Iran’s acting FM in Iraq for talks on bilateral ties, Gaza war The visit is part of an ongoing regional tour that also took Ali Bagheri Kani to Lebanon and Syria and kicked off shortly after his appointment. Iran
With China-Iran ties on rollercoaster, Tehran can only grit its teeth, hang on Iran can get upset about China’s statement over Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, or they can express their anger at China, move on and focus instead on extracting the many economic and political benefits that they derive from their relationship with Beijing. Iran
Iran hopes to finalize 20-year pact with Russia as Bagheri Kani meets Lavrov Despite lingering questions and skepticism at home, the Iranian government has been pushing the agreement as part of its overall strategy to build new alliances meant to mitigate Western political pressure and economic sanctions. Iran
UAE, Saudi, Iran, Egypt, Turkey FMs attend Russia's BRICS meeting The BRICS foreign ministers meeting focused on diplomatic developments related to the Gaza war and efforts to ditch the US dollar in international trade, among other matters. Egypt
With Larijani, Ahmadinejad disqualified, six main contenders in Iran's elections Iran’s electoral Guardian Council has approved the candidacy of six political figures for the snap elections that follow the death of Ebrahim Raisi, rejecting dozens of other potential candidates. Iran
How Israeli strikes are raising the cost of Iran's presence in Syria The IRGC's promise to retaliate for the killing of one of its officers comes as it has been rolling back its Syria presence since the outbreak of the Gaza war, which has placed an increasing number of Iranian forces in Israel's crosshairs. Iran
Will China's support help UAE in dispute with Iran over Hormuz islands? China's support for the UAE may have angered Tehran but it shows how Beijing views its priorities and strategic depth in Gulf region. Iran
US joins Europeans in rare censure of Iran at UN nuclear watchdog The International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-member board of governors has voted to censure Iran for the first time since November 2022. Iran
