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
France bans flights operated by Iran's second-largest airline Iran's second-largest airline, Mahan Air, has to stop flights to Paris for what has been reported as sanctions imposed by the French government. United States
Is Tehran trying to distance Qasem Soleimani from Iraq? The recent visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Iraq has been read as attempt to distance Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani from Iraq, replacing him with the Foreign Ministry. Iraq
2020 Democrats vow to re-enter Iran nuclear deal Advocacy groups are pushing to rejoin US allies in the JCPOA amid criticism of Trump’s foreign policy record. Congress
Iran's state TV kills top-rated show Despite being the most popular show on Iran's national TV, Adel Ferdowsipour's hard-hitting soccer program has been axed by the station's new hard-line manager. Iran
Iran’s Islamic authorities slowly embrace ancient Festival of Fire As Iranians uphold both religious values and national traditions, the Islamic Republic is beginning to recognize the once-rebuffed ancient Festival of Fire. Iran
For Netanyahu, all is political, even cybersecurity The hacking by a foreign power of the cellphone of the head of the Blue and White Party, Benny Gantz, is primarily a security lapse that occurred on the watch of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in charge of the National Cyber Directorate. Israel
Iran's state TV woos audiences with American-style shows Iranian versions of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and "America's Got Talent" are now on state TV, but seem to draw more criticism than ratings. Iran
Rouhani’s Iraq visit raises important questions for Israel Does Israel see Rouhani's visit to Iraq as strengthening his hand in Iran? One answer could be that while Rouhani was in Baghdad, hard-liner Ebrahim Raisi was elected deputy chief of the Assembly of Experts. Iraq
What Rouhani’s visit to Iraq tells us about Iran’s Syria policy The Iranian president’s recent visit to Iraq and a possible first trip to Syria since his taking office in 2013 indicate a growing role for the Rouhani administration on regional files. Iraq
Rouhani wants criminal cases against US officials over sanctions Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has floated the idea of lodging criminal cases against US officials over sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Iran
Tal Afar wary and wedged between Iran, Turkey and PKK The Turkmen-majority city of Tal Afar remains sparsely populated and wary of outsiders a year and a half after being taken from the Islamic State. Geopolitical considerations and the nearby presence of the PKK, the Syrian border, the desert and mountains mean that operations continue in the area despite apparent calm. Iraq
How Iran interferes in Israel’s election campaign The Israeli press published a report last week claiming that the cell phone of Blue and White leader Benny Gantz was hacked by Iran. Now it seems that former Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s cell phone was also targeted by Iranian intelligence. Israel