Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran defies Trump's blockade as oil prices soar Turkey advances gas pipeline plan to northern Cyprus; Iran-linked group claims London attack; and more. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Iran-linked group claims stabbing in Jewish area in London: What to know Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya has been linked to a number of attacks on Jewish targets in Europe, as well as an anti-regime Iranian news outlet. Iran
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
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
Why did Iran, Morocco resume relations? Economics, Iran's desire for greater international standing, the Islamic State and Western Sahara may be factors in Iran naming an ambassador to Morocco after a nearly six-year break in ties. Legacy: Gulf
Could Israel’s strike on Hezbollah in Syria spark Iran nuclear talks? The latest Israel-Hezbollah confrontation might be a catalyst for a nuclear deal between the P5+1 and Iran; Iran can ease Saudi Arabia’s security predicament; Netanyahu sees electoral gain in snubbing Obama. Saudi Arabia
Finally, Senate action on Iran sanctions? A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 26 Iran
Congress torn between Europe, Israel on Iran Lawmakers are forced to pick sides after key allies publicly come down on opposite sides of sanctions push. Congress
Obama, Kerry freeze out Bibi over impromptu Hill visit The upcoming meeting to reach an Iran nuclear deal raises tensions between the Obama administration and Israel. Congress
Zarif defends walk with Kerry Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is under fire in Iran for his public walk in Geneva with US Secretary of State John Kerry. Iran
Iran holds trump card on oil: petrochemicals To offset the drop in oil revenues, Iran can look to its petrochemical industry. Iran
US maintains intelligence relationship with Houthis Despite alarmist news reports, the Barack Obama administration appears to have adjusted to the rise of the Houthis in Yemen and is continuing attacks on al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Legacy: Gulf
Congress unmoved by Obama's call to back off Iran legislation The Senate kicked off legislative debate while the House invited Israel's Netanyahu to weigh in. Congress
IRGC vows revenge after Israeli attack Iranian military commanders say that the Israeli strike against a Hezbollah convoy in Syria will not deter them. Israel
Hezbollah's three options on Israel The Lebanese Shiite group has only a few options for responding to the Israeli strike against it in Syria and wants to be careful not to cause an expansion of the conflict onto Lebanese territory. Israel
GOP delays Iran sanctions vote for State of the Union The Senate Banking Committee will hold its markup next week after Democrats cry foul. Iran