Newsletter: FutureVerse MENA tightens control over online space New restrictions across MENA are reshaping access to the internet. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iran floats ‘plan B’ to defuse Hormuz standoff, delay nuclear talks The proposal would postpone negotiations over Iran's nuclear program in an attempt to break the deadlock. Iran
Turkey’s military spending jumps to $30B, leads Mideast growth in 2025 Newly released data shows Ankara’s military spending hit $30 billion, while Saudi Arabia remained the region’s top spender and Israel’s outlays declined in 2025. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran FM blames US for failed talks after landing in Russia By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Analysis Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Khamenei foreign policy adviser says Iran sticking to its guns Ali Akbar Velayati says that the nuclear deal will not change Iran's regional policy or limit the country's missile program. Iran
Can Netanyahu get Congress to reject nuke deal? The United States and Israel are close allies, but the battle over the nuclear deal is getting fiercer by the moment. Israel
Iran MPs: Hamas visit to Saudi Arabia a 'mistake' While Iran has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian group Hamas, a trip by its leaders to Saudi Arabia has drawn warnings from Iranian politicians. Saudi Arabia
Israeli media drowns out pro-Iran-deal voices Israeli politicians condemning the agreement with Iran have monopolized the conversation in Israel. Israel
How US, Russia could solve Syria The successful cooperation between the United State and Russia throughout the Iran nuclear negotiations could bode well for a new plan for Syria. Syria
I'm no fan of Bibi but I see a bad deal, says former Labor minister In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh argues that the deal with Iran is dangerous to Israel, because it will strengthen Hezbollah and Hamas, while allowing Iran to enlarge its regional hegemony. Palestine
Revolutionary Guard leader slams US, criticizes deal The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in an interview that there were problems with the draft resolution passed today by the United Nations Security Council. Congress
How Turkey really feels about the Iran deal Although Turkey seems to be happy with the Iran nuclear deal, it is hard to say that politically Turkey would be delighted seeing Iran emerging as a regional power and an international actor. Syria
Obama calls for 'practical conversation' between Iran, Arab states US President Barack Obama tells Arab Gulf allies to “stop giving Iran opportunities for mischief”; Zarif says Iran “ready to engage” with Arab countries; Netanyahu weighs political costs of Iran deal. Legacy: Gulf
Kerry begins Iran deal sales push on Capitol Hill A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 20. Israel
Preventing Iran's post-sanctions job crisis With the expected lifting of economic sanctions against Iran, the government will need to formulate a set of policies to protect local industry while also taking into account the return of foreign businesses. Iran
Russia looks for new regional footing post-Iran deal Beyond diplomatic niceties, real challenges and opportunities await Moscow, as the Iran deal is not the culmination but rather the beginning of some serious and complicated work. Russia