US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island as Trump threatens 'whole civilization' Iranian outlets reported several explosions on the island, which is crucial to the country’s oil industry, just hours ahead of a US deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Four Israeli soldiers arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran: What to know Since the Oct. 7 attacks, several Israelis have been prosecuted for spying for Iran, but this is the first case involving active-duty soldiers. Israel
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
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Consumer prices dropping in Iran as currency regains value Consumer prices are reportedly dropping in Iran after a period of untamed jumps rarely seen in the country's recent history. Iran
How Iran’s quasi-state firms intensify currency crisis The clash between the Rouhani administration and Iranian petrochemical companies over foreign currency earnings is another chapter in the battle between the government and quasi-state actors. Iran
How can Turkey survive US sanctions on Iran? At the United Nations, Turkey repeated its intention to ignore US sanctions. How the Erdogan administration will calculate costs and benefits of subverting the US sanctions remains a mystery. Turkey
Netanyahu, defense minister battle discreetly over new IDF chief Facing the upcoming nomination of IDF’s next chief of staff, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might undermine Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman's prerogative and appoint a relatively young and inexperienced candidate. Israel
Iraq's new president taps Adel Abdul Mahdi to form government After May elections, the Iraqi parliament finally elected a new president, Barham Salih, who chose the independent Adel Abdul Mahdi to try to form the next government. Iraq
Kurdish rebels join anti-Iran lobbying fray An Iranian Kurdish opposition group has registered to lobby Congress and the Donald Trump administration. Congress
Will Iran, Turkey jointly confront US influence east of the Euphrates? Iran and Turkey are gearing their policies in Syria toward jointly tackling the current status quo in northeastern Syria, where US-backed forces constitute a common threat to both Turkish and Iranian interests. Syria
Iranians mob money changers to sell dollars as rial jumps Iranians rushed to money changers in several cities to sell their "home-kept" dollars as their national currency started to regain value. Iran
Three years in Syria, Russia sums up achievements and challenges On the third anniversary of the Russian campaign in Syria, Foreign Minister Lavrov summed up Moscow's achievements but conceded challenges persist. Syria
Iran FM: Trump ‘repeating the same mistakes’ Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Donald Trump administration is repeating the same mistakes that led to the US invasion and occupation of Iraq and growing chaos and instability in the Middle East. Iraq
Iran launches missile, drone attacks on militants in Syria Using missiles and armed drones, Iran said it sought to send a message to terrorist groups and their sponsors. Syria
