Politics & Security - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

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Politics & Security

Handout Photo by the US Navy via Getty Images

Explainer

What’s the status of Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran talks?

Oil tankers continued to transit the strait in both directions, but many turned off their transponders over the weekend after Iran's military declared Hormuz closed once again.

Cars drive past billboards showing Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (L) and his late father Ali Khamenei (R), with the slogan "Thank you, loyal Iran," erected along the highway leading to Rafik Hariri International Airport, Beirut, Lebanon, June 22, 2026.

US, Iran to form 'deconflicting cell' on Lebanon, sidelining Lebanese state

The agreement came during talks between Iran and the United States following a preliminary deal reached last week to end the war across the Middle East, including in Lebanon.

A picture taken on March 12, 2017, shows an Iranian tanker docking at the platform of the oil facility in the Kharg Island, on the shore of the Gulf.

US grants Iran oil sanctions waiver as part of deal

The waiver authorizes the production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil for two months.

Latest News

Vance says Iran to restore nuclear inspector access

US Vice President JD Vance spoke to reporters following the talks with Iranian negotiators at the Burgenstock complex

Syria’s Sharaa says he had ‘multiple discussions’ with Trump on Lebanon, favors dialogue

US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Oval Office, Washington, DC, Nov. 10, 2025.

Analysis

Why Gulf defense firms are betting on Europe in wake of Iran war

Illustration picture taken during the Eurosatory Defense and Security fair in Paris, France ,on June 15, 2026.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

After US-Iran deal, can Pakistan sustain regional mediator role?

Aamir QURESHI / AFP via Getty Images

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Muslim devotees pray under the rain as they gather at Meskel Square to break their fast during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 29, 2022.

Egypt hopes high rainfall will lessen impact of Ethiopia's third filling of Nile Dam

Despite high rainfall rates registered in the Ethiopian plateau, Egypt remains on high alert amid the completion of the third filling of Ethiopia’s controversial Nile dam.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shake hands.

UN, Turkey and Ukraine discuss grain exports, nuclear safety 

Turkey and Ukraine sign a memorandum of understanding on reconstruction of Ukrainian infrastructure destroyed by war.

A picture taken on Jan. 17, 2016, shows a medical bus escorted by German and American police leaving the US air base.

Tehran urges US to immediately release jailed Iranians

Iran's demand came as expectations were growing for a prisoner swap alongside an EU-mediated possible agreement on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey grapples with policy change on Syria

Ankara's complex ties with Moscow, the political cost of Syrian refugees and looming elections are all dictating dialogue with Damascus on Ankara, but it has yet to come up with a plan to proceed.

Oil beach Yemen

Leaking tankers threaten health, livelihoods along Yemen's coast

A series of recent pollution incidents in the port of Aden has brought newfound urgency to addressing the hazardous vessels.

Turkey Israel

Israel, Turkey to reappoint ambassadors, opening new chapter in relations

After 20 months of courtship, Jerusalem now believes Ankara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are sincere in their efforts to rehabilitate bilateral ties.

Qatar world cup

Qatar boosts drone defenses ahead of FIFA World Cup

Several NATO nations will contribute personnel, hardware and technology to keep the soccer tournament safe from drones and other threats, while also building Qatar's own capabilities.

An aerial view shows Syrian children playing in a portable swimming pool set up by volunteers, at a camp for the displaced in the rebel-held town of Kafr Yahmul in the northern countryside of Idlib, Syria, Aug. 10, 2022.

Turkey completes more than 62,000 homes in Idlib, but will refugees return home?

Syrian refugees fear that the Turkish government will go ahead with its plan to deport them to northwest Syria.

A Palestinian artist decorates the Qahwetna Cafe (Our Coffee) a day ahead of Ramadan, Gaza City, Gaza Strip, May 26, 2017.

Palestinians claim social media crackdown following latest Gaza war

A fierce attack has been launched on Palestinian social media content, as dozens of accounts of Palestinian activists, journalists and media institutions have been restricted and deleted in the past year and after the latest Israeli war on Gaza.

Iran oil

Analysis

The Takeaway: Iran deal may come too late to stave off energy crisis in Europe

Turkey’s mysterious foreign currency; Israel and Russia; Islamic Jihad says Tel Aviv reneges on truce; Palestinian activists claim social media crackdown; Iraq’s Coordination Framework.

Andrew Parasiliti

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn

Kadhimi

Kadhimi hosts national dialogue of Iraqi leaders to end political deadlock

Iraqi political leaders joined today to discuss a roadmap for ending current political crisis, as part of an initiative for national dialogue, with all major parties except the Sadrists represented.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog waves as he departs for an official visit to Turkey on March 9, 2022.

Turkey, Israel to dispatch ambassadors in diplomatic renewal

Israeli Prime Minister Lapid and Turkish President Erdogan agree on phone that the decision to return ambassadors and consuls general to Israel and Turkey will lead to new steps, including the upcoming convening of the Joint Economic Commission in Israel in September.