Analysis Trump ceasefire leaves Netanyahu flustered as Iran gains politically US President Trump’s decision on a ceasefire with the Tehran regime leaves Israel far away from its Iran war objectives. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
EIA hikes 2026 oil price forecasts 22% as Hormuz fuels long-term market fallout In its latest update, the agency said international benchmark Brent crude is now expected to average $96 per barrel in 2026, up from $79 previously, with higher prices now expected to last through 2027. Iran
Iran threatens energy shock, ups Gulf strikes ahead of Trump deadline: What to know Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war in response to US threats to target key Iranian civilian infrastructure. Iran
More fire and fury: Trump, Pompeo offer mixed messages on Iran Iranian Americans are unsure whether the Donald Trump administration intends to press for regime change in Iran or pursue eventual diplomatic outreach. United States
Rouhani, Trump in a war of words A war of words erupted between the Iranian and American presidents, signaling an increase in tensions and unleashing recriminations. United States
Will Iran, Russia step up energy cooperation to blunt US sanctions? Amid rising US pressure, Tehran and Moscow might be on the cusp of a new era of economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Russia
The art of the deal in Helsinki – the next chapter More than 11% of internally displaced people have returned to areas retaken by Syrian government forces this year. Syria
Violence against women at center of debate on landmark bill in Iran A landmark bill to expand the legal definition of violence against women remains stalled amid objections from the Iranian judiciary. Iran
Putin envoy tells Iran that cooperation in Syria will continue Iranian and Russian officials have insisted that despite pressure from outside countries, the two countries will continue to support the Syrian government. Israel
Sanctions threaten Iran's dream of becoming Eurasian transport hub Lack of financing and the potential collapse of the nuclear deal threaten Iranian plans to complete the infrastructure necessary for the International North-South Transport Corridor. Regional
Tehran court lifts curtain on widespread corruption at bankrupted lender An Iranian court has shed further light on the extent of fraud at a bankrupt credit and financial institution, with former officials and local celebrities now dragged in. Iran
Meet the new generation of Iranian hard-liners A young generation of hard-liners is beginning to challenge the old guard, taking tougher positions on political issues while being more open on cultural affairs. Russia
Drought, inefficiency lead to major power shortage in Iran Blackouts return to Iran’s electricity grid in the face of prolonged drought and record power consumption. Iran
Is Iran’s youngest minister biting off more than he can chew? Iran's minister of communications and information technology is advancing the agenda of his transparency initiative, but Iranian officials are pushing back. Iran
What’s next for Syria after Helsinki summit? The meeting between the Russian and US presidents did as little for the Middle East as it possibly could, though the two leaders seemed to identify Syria as a good place to rebuild US-Russian cooperation. Israel
