Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies As the Hormuz standoff intensifies, Trump must choose between military escalation, a limited diplomatic deal, or continuing a pressure campaign against Iran. Iran
In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US. Iran
US blockade tests Iran's limits, but will global pain force Trump’s hand? President Trump is doubling down on economic warfare against Iran, betting a naval blockade and sanctions can force a nuclear deal and end the war. Iran
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 denies cooperating with US on IS strikes Iranian officials have not confirmed whether Iran has conducted airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq but continue to officially reject cooperation with the US-led coalition. Iraq
Sistani denies supporting Soleiman's involvement in Iraq The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has denied allegations that he supports the Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani's presence and Iranian involvement in Iraq in the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
No sign of pardon for Iran blogger sentenced to death The deputy head of Iran's judiciary has said that there is no move to pardon blogger Soheil Arabi, sentenced to execution over Facebook comments, but there is a request to review his case. Iran
Iran MP criticizes body that supervises supreme leader Iranian conservative parliament member Ali Motahari has criticized the Assembly of Experts and continued house arrest without trial of the Green Movement leaders. Iran
Erdogan slams US on Syria again, days after Biden visit Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls US "impertinent" on Syria, says West likes seeing Muslim children die; Israel considers extension of Iran nuclear talks as better than a bad deal. Saudi Arabia
Islamic State cell strikes Shiites in Saudi Arabia A deadly attack by an Islamic State cell on Saudi Shiites has upped the ante in the jihadists' threat to the Saudi royal family as the guardians of Islam's most holy sites. Legacy: Gulf
Israel satisfied with delay in Iran nuclear deal Following months of meetings with European and US leaders and with intelligence experts, Israel is relieved by the fact that the talks with Iran were extended and that the negotiated deal draft was not signed yet. Israel
To promote wins against IS, Iran's Soleimani emerges Quds Force Cmdr. Qasem Soleimani has been advising Iraqi Shiite militias with some success in the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Khamenei not opposed to nuclear extension In a speech, Iran's supreme leader has said that he supports the extension on the nuclear talks but slammed the countries involved in the negotiations. Iran
Iran, Saudi Arabia find common ground in Yemen Despite fears of increasing Riyadh-Tehran rivalry, Yemen's unity government serves the interests of both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
IRGC commander says US not reliable Some Iranian conservatives feel that Iran has not received fair terms under the nuclear extensions. Iran
Hezbollah arrives in Iraq As the battle against the Islamic State evolves, experienced members of Hezbollah arrive in Iraq to provide guidance and training. Iraq
