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
US, Iran woo rival Kurdish factions in battle against IS While US airstrikes against the Islamic State have mostly benefited areas controlled by Kurdistan Democratic Party forces, Iran has reportedly provided materiel and advisers to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. Iraq
Israel prepares for cyberwars Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu established a new espionage organization devoted entirely to cyberwarfare, to prepare Israel for future conflicts. Palestine
Iran judiciary gives final order to shut down WhatsApp, Viber Jokes about the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran circuiting on WhatsApp and Viber has resulted in the judiciary ordering the communications minister to close the mobile messaging platforms. Iran
Do Syrians support US airstrikes in Syria? Syrians worry about US airstrikes; Iran could be bridge to Syria in international coalition against the Islamic State (IS); Syrian Revolutionary Forces reject report of pact with IS; Syrian Kurds lose ground to IS; Iran claims leadership in battle against IS terrorists. Syria
Iran cleric: They used to say loudspeakers were forbidden Two prominent clerics have taken opposing views on the issue of high-speed Internet, which is currently being debated in the Iranian media. Iran
Political rifts threaten Iraq's anti-IS coalition While a coalition of the willing is being formed to tackle the Islamic State (IS), international and local political divisions still threaten to tear it apart, leaving IS the only winner. Iraq
IRGC announces improved economic relations with Rouhani The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that despite initial doubts, relations between the organization and the administration of President Hassan Rouhani have improved. Iran
Why didn't Khatami visit Iran's supreme leader in hospital? Iranians have speculated over social media on why former President Mohammad Khatami failed to visit Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his hospital stay. Iran
Khamenei: Iran rejected US offer to cooperate against IS Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that despite statements by US officials, it was Iran who had rejected cooperation with the United States against the Islamic State group. Iran
Iran conservatives reject cooperation with US against IS Conservative Iranian figures and media outlets have resoundedly rejected the idea of Iran joining a US-led coalition against the Islamic State. Iran
Israel skeptical about US strategy on IS While the US finds a new interlocutor in Israel's opposition leader, the Israeli security establishment is not reassured by President Barack Obama's latest speech, since it fears that much like Hamas, the Islamic State cannot be defeated by airstrikes alone. Iraq
Iran Foreign Ministry casts doubt on US coalition against IS Iran's Foreign Ministry said that the US-led coalition to fight the Islamic State includes countries that had helped fuel terrorism in the region. Iran
