With Trump's goals unmet, can strikes on Iran's economy force a deal? Ordering the US military to destroy Iran's road transit system and electrical grid risks war crimes that may harden Iranian resistance after five weeks of bombing has failed to deliver Trump’s strategic objectives. United States
From France to India: Who is Iran allowing through the Strait of Hormuz? Ships from Qatar turned around on Monday after sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz, while a growing number of countries have received permission to traverse the waterway. Iran
‘No bridges, no power plants’: Trump ups threats against Iran if deal fails President Trump said he wasn't worried that striking civilian infrastructure could amount to war crimes. Iran
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals Rising regional tensions and disrupted oil flows are giving Damascus leverage to balance Ankara and other neighbors while exploring alternative energy corridors. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Khamenei says Iran did not encourage fighters to go to Syria, Iraq Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stressed the importance of Iranian fighters in Iraq and Syria in continuing Shiite commemorations. Iran
Kidnapping of Iranians puts Iran-Pakistan ties to the test The Oct. 16 kidnapping of 14 Iranian security personnel by a Pakistan-based terrorist group is putting the spotlight on the viability of the nascent security cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. Iran
Rouhani says Saudis wouldn't dare kill Khashoggi without US support Largely tight-lipped on the Khashoggi killing so far, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani is now implicating the United States in Saudi Arabia's alleged assassination of a dissident journalist. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi court suspends Abadi's act to pull Fayadh from posts A court ruling puts Faleh al-Fayadh back at the helm of Iraq's National Security Council and the Popular Mobilization Units, at least for now. Iraq
Will Iran drive its musicians off the streets? The Iranian authorities are considering to permits for street performers, but musicians say it goes against the very spontaneous nature of their work. Iran
Middle East pins Oscar hopes on young directors From Lebanon to Egypt to Tunisia, regional countries' Academy Awards nominees for best foreign language film are mostly the works of young directors and center on the lives of young adults and children. Egypt
Will Iran’s Reformists succeed in gathering all factions under one roof? Iranian Reformists are gathering forces to form a new assembly. But while some think it could be a chance for a democratic entity to represent the movement, others argue that Reformists need to reconnect with society rather than forming new bodies. Iran
Cracks appear within Rouhani's inner circle as VP 'signals departure' Speculations are once again rife that Iran's first vice president might be resigning after he complained about lack of authority. Iran
Iran braces for more general strikes as budget negotiations in sight The recent string of strikes in Iran appeared geared to extract more concessions ahead of budget negotiations. Iran
Khashoggi killing undercuts Trump campaign against Iran The US campaign to convince the world to cut off Iran has taken a hit two weeks before oil sanctions are set to kick in. Saudi Arabia