Analysis As Iran's power struggle deepens, US talks stall, who’s calling the shots in Tehran? Ultraconservative figures and security officials have intensified their criticism of the negotiating team, accusing it of jeopardizing Iran’s gains. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Trump extends ceasefire with Iran ‘until discussions concluded’ Trump also said he directed the US Navy to continue its blockade of Iranian ports. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war As US President Trump makes contradictory statements regarding his intentions toward Iran and the ongoing negotiations, Israel is preparing for the possibility of resuming military operations. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US forces board Iran-linked tanker By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Could Trump’s victory become opportunity for Iran? Iranian commentators and political analysts view Trump’s victory with caution and doubt in regard to its implications for the international order. United States
Is this the beginning of the end for the Iran deal? Proponents of the nuclear pact fear the worst under a Trump administration. United States
Iran weighs in on new US foreign policy post election Iranian politicians’ reaction to Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections has chiefly focused on the potential impact of new US policies on the nuclear deal. United States
Will Lebanon's new president give up on old friends? Mohammad Javad Zarif became the first foreign minister to personally congratulate Lebanon’s new president, but what does the Iranian rush really say about the geopolitical game being played out in Beirut? Legacy: Gulf
Iranian judiciary chief calls out Rouhani over press freedom The ongoing Press Exhibition in Iran has provided a platform for debate on freedom of the press in the country, highlighting the divisions among political factions. Iran
The Russian-Iranian alliance that wasn't Collaboration between Iran and Russia on regional matters is growing, but there are still major obstacles to a true Russian-Iranian alliance. Russia
Will gold exports help boost Iran's economy? Iran has lifted restrictions on the export of raw gold to support its fledgling gold industry, but the sector will need more upgrades to compete in the global market. Iran
What Iranian clerics really think of Cyrus the Great The backlash by one prominent Iranian cleric against the recent major gathering at the tomb of Cyrus the Great belies the Shiite clergy’s more nuanced approach to Iran’s pre-Islamic past. Iran
Iraqi National Alliance seeks Maliki-Sadr reconciliation The predominately Shiite National Alliance with Iranian support is trying to reconcile between Vice President Nouri al-Maliki and Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Iraq
Why Iranian-Saudi game in Lebanon is far from over Iranian officials were quick to congratulate Michel Aoun on becoming president of Lebanon, while their Saudi rivals, not so pleased with his new position, took a little longer. Saudi Arabia
Russia emerges as a center of gravity for Israel Given that Russia’s influence in the Middle East excluding Syria remains limited, Moscow is looking for other entry points — but can Israel offer such an opportunity? Palestine
Controversy flares over opening of EU office in Iran Iran's Foreign Ministry has sparked confusion in sending mixed signals about the government's position on opening an EU office in Tehran. Iran