Who is Ahmad Vahidi, IRGC chief and hard-liner against nuclear compromise? A longtime Revolutionary Guard insider with strong ties to Iran’s security apparatus and proxy network, Ahmad Vahidi has taken over the IRGC at a moment of crisis, with some reports suggesting he is playing an outsized role in the country’s decision-making. Iran
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire The IRGC Navy’s seizure of two cargo vessels follows US Navy interdictions of two Iran-linked crude oil tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean earlier this week. Iran
Iran executes 14th person since war over alleged Mossad ties: What to know Iran has carried out multiple executions since the outbreak of the war with the United States and Israel, as it intensifies a crackdown on individuals accused of spying for Israel. Iran
Analysis As Iran's power struggle deepens, US talks stall, who’s calling the shots in Tehran? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock 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 By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Did Rouhani just nip Tehran mayor’s presidential challenge in the bud? In Iran, leaks indicating massive corruption are surfacing one after another in an apparent factional fight ahead of the country’s May 2017 presidential election. Iran
Turkey expands assault on independent media The Erdogan government’s crackdown on "enemy within" includes free press; Iran and Russia may gain from strains in US-Turkey ties; Aleppo key to "undivided Syria"; Iran likely to deepen ties with Russia over Syria. Syria
Why Rouhani may become Iran's first one-term president Despite fulfilling his key campaign pledge of resolving the nuclear issue, Hassan Rouhani is still far from guaranteed a second term as Iran's president. Iran
Prince Salman gets jump on G-20 as Saudi 'Mr. Everything' tours Asia Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to be the youngest representative at the upcoming G-20 summit, his most significant step on the global stage to date, but can the spotlight on "Mr. Everything" distract from Yemen? Saudi Arabia
Iran confirms arrest of Iranian-American Reza Shahini Iranian authorities and media released more information on the arrest and alleged activities of Iranian-American Reza "Robin" Shahini. Iran
Iraqi cleric urges tolerance toward LGBT people Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has created ripples in Iraqi society by calling for tolerance for LGBT people. Iraq
Iran's central bank won’t bite off more than it can chew Despite broad support for the unification of foreign exchange rates in Iran — and the central bank’s announcement of such a move in the near future — realities on the ground make such an endeavor unlikely anytime soon. Iran
Did arrested Iranian negotiator influence nuclear talks? Iranian negotiator Hamid Baiedinejad wrote on his Telegram account about the latest accusations against a fellow negotiator who was in charge of banking affairs. Iran
Why Russian warplanes might return to Iran Shared tactical objectives in Syria are likely to continue to drive Russian-Iranian cooperation despite the quick end to Moscow's use of the Hamedan air base. Russia
Did US drag Turkey into 'Syrian quagmire'? The Turkish government remains defiant in the face of warnings from the US, but there are those who believe Ankara was forced into the Syrian quagmire by Washington. Syria
Iran officials behind 1980s executions defend decision Iranian officials involved in the executions of thousands of Mujahedeen-e-Khalq members in the 1980s are having to defend themselves publicly as the killings are back in the news. Iran
Corruption scandal hits Tehran City Council According to a document by the General Inspection Office, members of the Tehran City Council have been handing out public property at a discount. Iran
