Oil surges past $120 to war-time high as Trump rejects Iran overture Benchmark Brent crude surpassed $120 per barrel on Wednesday, reaching the highest levels yet seen during the US-Israel-Iran war. Iran
Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates President Donald Trump spoke by phone separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Iran and the possibility of extending the ceasefire. United States
Iranian rial hits new record low as blockade, war take toll: What to know The rial had another collapse in late 2025, triggering massive protests and riots in the country that were ended by a forceful government crackdown. Iran
Pentagon: Iran war has cost US estimated $25B so far A supplemental request won’t be delivered to Congress until the Pentagon fully assesses the war’s cost, a top budget official told House lawmakers. Iran
Analysis How long can Iran's economy withstand Trump's naval blockade? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis UAE’s OPEC exit rattles cartel as Gulf alliances shift By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse MENA tightens control over online space By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Ancient, modern Iran clash over fire festival Iranians will take to the streets to celebrate an ancient Iranian holiday, despite warnings by officials who are uncomfortable with this pre-Islamic holiday. Iran
Iraq’s Shiite forces claim victory over IS Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, the leader of Hezbollah al-Nujaba, a major Iraqi Shiite resistance movement fighting IS, tells Al-Monitor in an exclusive interview that his group will target US planes if they get near his forces. Iraq
90% of Iran MPs: All sanctions must be removed 260 members of parliament signed on to a statement saying that, in case of a nuclear deal, all sanctions against Iran must be removed. Iran
Despite congressional threats, Iran negotiators resume talks US and Iranian negotiators are meeting in Lausanne to work toward a potential nuclear deal. Iran
Iran's female MPs show mixed record Iran's female members of parliament have been few in number but have had a large impact on national policies. Iran
Contemporary Islamic views support reform in favor of women The religious feminist movement has succeeded in improving the status of women in some parts of the Muslim world, while in others, there is resistance to any change regarding women’s rights. Saudi Arabia
Pakistan declines to join Saudi Arabia's anti-Iran alliance Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has rejected, at least for now, Saudi Arabia's entreaties for Pakistani troops to help guard the Saudi border with northern Yemen, controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi Shiite forces. Saudi Arabia
US 'working through' extent of support for Syrian rebels The resolution being considered by Congress does not address protection of vetted Syrian rebels against Syrian government forces; nuclear talks with Iran enter decisive phase amid challenges by Republicans in Congress; Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani determines fate of reconciliation in Iraq; Israeli election is verdict on Benjamin Netanyahu. Iraq
Iran under fire ahead of deal deadline A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of March 16. Iran
Rouhani wins over Qom, for now President Hassan Rouhani took a surprise trip to Qom to win over the support of senior clerics in Iran's religious capital. Iran
Iranian singers push boundaries, face restrictions Iranian authorities have begun to crack down on female singers and musicians, despite attempts by the culture minister to issue more licenses for performances. Iran
Turkey to support Mosul operation from sidelines Turkey will provide assistance to the forces organizing to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, but will not engage directly in military conflict. Iraq
