Breaking | Last Updated: April 7, 2026, 12:00 pm China, Russia veto scaled-back Hormuz resolution at UN Security Council The vote came hours before the US deadline for Iran to reopen the global chokepoint. Bahrain
Gulf nations in line of fire brace for Iran escalation: What to know A bridge linking Saudi Arabia to Bahrain was briefly closed as Iran escalates its attacks in the Gulf ahead of a looming US deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. United Arab Emirates
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
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
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
How the Rouhani administration can contain excess liquidity In the absence of genuine reforms that will allow the adoption of more prudent fiscal, monetary and foreign currency policies, the Iranian economy will remain structurally crisis-ridden. Iran
Zarif: US 'obsession' with Iran is backfiring everywhere In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed several topics from this week's UN General Assembly session. United States
Will Shiite militias become Iraq’s Basij? The Popular Mobilization Units are expanding their presence in the strategic city of Basra by forming a Voluntary Reserves force, similar to the Iranian Basij forces. Iraq
Netanyahu masters another show-and-tell at the UNGA Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed in a speech at the UN General Assembly meeting that he continues to lead a multiple-front campaign against Iran, and with intense squabbling among the leadership in Tehran, Israeli leaders sense that victory is near and possible. Israel
Iran's metal bands inch toward acceptance Metal musicians in Iran have achieved several breakthroughs in the past three years, but they still have a long and uncertain way to go. Iran
Hamas raises eyebrows with condolences to Iran Hamas offered its condolences to Iran after an attack on a military parade killed dozens of people, including members of the Revolutionary Guard, and some see the gesture as an attempt to cozy up to the Islamic Republic. Palestine
Iranian civic rights activists challenge authorities with hunger strikes Iranian authorities are increasingly challenged by a wave of hunger strikes conducted by civic rather than political activists. Iran
Intel: Congress wants to sanction Iran’s allies in Iraq. Here’s why the State Department thinks it’s a bad idea. Iraq
How Rouhani may be destroying his own Moderation camp If Iran’s president continues to focus on his future rather than the present, his continued failure to fulfill his campaign promises is likely to herald the end of his political career. Iran