Iran shifts to higher-risk strategy as Trump bears down on pressure campaign

After exercising "strategic patience" for a year, Iran has shifted its strategy to one of calibrated escalation on the nuclear, regional and diplomatic fronts to try to secure economic relief, deter US adventurism and better position itself for possible future talks.

United States

Bahrain conference showcases Israeli ties with Gulf states

A significant cornerstone on the way to overt normalization between Israel and the pragmatic Sunni states was laid this week in Bahrain at the US-led economic workshop.

Saudi Arabia

Iran stops stamping passports

To alleviate concerns that a visit to Iran might complicate foreigners being able to enter the United States at a later date, Iran reiterated that it will allow tourists to enter the country through its international airports without having their passports stamped.

United States

Erdogan confident he can sway Trump to skip sanctions

The two presidents will meet at the G-20 summit to discuss a standoff over Turkey’s purchase of a Russian antiaircraft system that obliges the US government to introduce punishing economic sanctions on its NATO partner.

Turkey

The winners and losers of the Bahrain conference

The United States revealed its economic plan for Palestine at a conference in Bahrain, and the winners and losers of that plan will be impacted for years to come.

Palestine

Iran seeks relief from US sanctions in Asia

In its foreign policy toward Asian and Eurasian states, Iran is extending its outreach beyond traditional allies China and Russia to draw support from a range of countries and reduce the impact of US sanctions.

Russia

House panel advances bipartisan Saudi sanctions bill over Khashoggi murder

The House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously advances a bill that would sanction Saudis involved in the Jamal Khashoggi slaying.

Saudi Arabia

Turkey makes case to Congress to drop S-400 sanctions

Turkey is making a final pitch to Congress to prevent US sanctions for purchasing a Russian air defense system, according to documents reviewed by Al-Monitor.

Turkey

Tehran renews warning that it may soon bid farewell to nuclear deal

Amid continued frustration with the European signatories to the nuclear deal, Iran is sending fresh signals about its potential departure from the pact, while indicating that diplomacy remains a viable option.

United States

Palestinians protest US ‘Peace to Prosperity’ plan

Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza protested the US "Peace to Prosperity" plan, as it ignores their basic demands of freedom and dignity.

Bahrain

Damascus vies with Saudi-Kurd union for tribal support

Saudi Arabia is backing Kurdish efforts to win over Syrian tribes' loyalty from the regime.

Saudi Arabia

Israeli, Russian, US interests converge on Iran in Syria

At a trilateral meeting in Jerusalem, the national security advisers of Israel, Russia and the United States confirmed their common interest in limiting the presence of Iranian forces in Syria when peace finally comes.

Israel