Analysis Why Spain took Europe's lead in opposing US-Israel war in Iran Like with the Gaza war, Madrid has taken a vocal role in opposing the monthlong Iran conflict. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Why Trump's infrastructure-focused strikes risk hardening Iran's war posture Targeting infrastructure has opened a new phase in the US-Israel-Iran war, hardening Tehran's stance and pushing the conflict toward attrition with fewer off-ramps. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran strikes Gulf again, hitting Kuwait refinery as UAE shuts gas hub Kuwait’s desalination plant and key refinery have been damaged, and the UAE has suspended Habshan operations after debris from intercepted missiles caused a fire. Kuwait
Powerful Iranian shrine endowment gets moderate custodianship The appointment of a moderate as custodian of the wealthy Astan Quds Razavi could be a boon to the Rouhani administration — but only if the powers of the hard-line Mashhad Friday prayer leader are curtailed. Iran
IRGC terror designation: Trump's election gift to Netanyahu The US president's decision to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization could allow Israel to better justify action against the group in Syria. Israel
Fall of Iran’s former ally in Sudan sparks online reactions Iranian journalists and social media users closely watch events in Sudan, as the former ally transitions to a new era. Iran
Zarif reshuffles key envoys in push for active diplomacy In an effort seemingly meant to step up diplomacy, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reshuffled key ambassadors, signaling plans for a more active engagement with the world. Iran
Iran signals change to FX regime, crackdown on profiteering The Iranian authorities said renewed turbulence on foreign exchange markets will be short-lived as signals were sent that a crackdown on profiteering is ahead. United States
Will Iraq reemerge as battleground between the US, Iran? Iraq is primed to emerge as an area of mutual Iranian and American influence, although Tehran does not appear keen to initiate a direct confrontation. Iraq
Iranian elites rally behind IRGC after US terrorist designation Iranian elites from across the fray expressed solidarity with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after the US administration branded the military organization a terrorist organization. Iran
Trump names Iran’s IRGC terror organization, downplaying risks to US troops, Iraq stability Critics warn that the US administration's announcement to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization could escalate risks to US troops and reduce chances for future diplomacy. United States
Iran, Iraq forge ahead with collaboration amid US pressure The Iraqi prime minister’s visit to Iran — his first since taking office — sends important messages to Tehran, Washington and Riyadh alike. Iraq
Iran condemns, reciprocates designation of IRGC as terrorist organization Iran has strongly condemned the US move to label part of its armed forces as a foreign terrorist organization, responding by designating US Central Command and affiliated forces as a “terrorist group.” United States
Why Iran is silent about US military deal with neighboring Oman Iran has demonstrated no sign of outrage at a recent US-Omani military deal as the American Indo-Pacific Strategy seems not to clash with Iran's interests in the region. Oman