Israel, seeking wider war, hits Iranian railways, bridges as Trump deadline nears Since the Trump administration announced its deadline, Israel has prepared for a potential US escalation, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure or ground operations. Israel
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
Powerful Shiite trio agrees on Iraqi prime minister candidate A Beirut meetup of Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah and Iran's Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani appears to have produced a compromise candidate for Iraq's next prime minister. Iraq
Congress takes aim at pro-Iran election winners in Iraq US lawmakers are preparing sanctions as Tehran presses Baghdad to form a government friendly to its interests. Iraq
Iranians divided on whether their leaders should talk to Trump Iranians are divided in their view of how to respond to President Donald Trump’s offer of direct talks. While many see it as insincere, they nonetheless welcome it as an opportunity to beat the United States at its own game. United States
Khamenei appears to point finger at IS for Ahvaz attack Arab separatists walked back claims of their involvement in the Ahvaz terrorist attack after Iran summoned European countries for hosting them. Iran
Iran's influence continues to shape new Iraqi government After Iran succeeded in pushing through its preferred candidate for Iraq's parliament speaker, Tehran continued its pressure to secure the position of second deputy speaker, bringing the "score" to 2-0 against the US. Iraq
Intimidation, persecution of Iranian lawyers won’t halt dissent Iran's lawyers face tight restrictions and countless obstacles from the government, especially those who dare to work security and political cases. Iran
Friction heats up between Russia, Israel over downed aircraft Jerusalem is worried that the conflict with Moscow caused by the downing of a Russian jet in Syria will paralyze IDF activities and enable Iran to transfer arms to Hezbollah. Israel
Damascus puts on elections while Russia is busy with geopolitics While Moscow has been busy with the situation in Idlib, Damascus has held municipal elections, where its candidates won. Syria
Mandatory hijab hunger strike enters 50th day An Iranian activist, Farhad Meysami, under arrest in Evin Prison for openly opposing mandatory veiling, has been on a hunger strike for 50 days. Iran
Iranians lash out at preferential treatment of pilgrims While many Iranians have criticized the authorities’ decision to allow visa fees for the Arbaeen pilgrimage to be paid at the secondary foreign currency market rate, the move could, in reality, be filling the administration’s coffers. Iraq
Iran's rich, influential religious singers eclipse clerics As Iran's traditional eulogists grow in fame and influence, they have drawn criticism from the clerics who used to have the main voices in religious ceremonies. Iran
Trump’s Iran envoy blasts Tehran missile work, downplays prospects for NY meeting Brian Hook, the US special envoy on Iran, said any new agreement with Iran would have to curb Iran’s transfer of ballistic missile technology. United States
