Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies As the Hormuz standoff threatens a global economic chill, Trump must choose between military escalation, seeking a partial deal with Iran, or waiting out the pressure campaign. 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
Breaking: Iran, US hold direct talks in Geneva During the latest round of P5+1 meetings, the US and Iran held bilateral talks which both sides described as 'useful.' Iran
Diplomats: Follow on Iran nuclear talks in Geneva in November In a rare joint statement issued by Iran and the P5+1, diplomats said that Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif presented a framework for the negotiating process, which the US is seriously considering. Iran
Islamic State urges Turkish businessmen to return to Iraq In an interview with Al-Monitor, Turkey's economy minister says that in addition to IS prompting Turkish businessmen to return to Iraq, trade with Israel remains unaffected despite the current crisis, and 2015 will see an increase in exports and decrease in deficit. Iraq
US and Iran Speak 'Same Language' in Nuclear Talks Western diplomats have said that the latest round of talks on Iran's nuclear program, the first since the election of Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, have been the most substantive and given hope that an agreement could eventually be possible. Iran
Reformist Iranian newspaper under fire for Gaza cartoon An Iranian newspaper is under fire for a cartoon depicting Palestinian civilians as being "neutral" victims in a war between two sides, which some have interpreted the depicted conflict as being between Israel and Iran. Iran
US negotiator to brief Congress on Iran talks Lead US Iran nuclear negotiator, Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel that the Iranians seemed serious about wanting to close a deal and assured that the Obama administration would remain firm in negotiations. Iran
Israel Intel Minister: Not pessimistic about Iran deal Israeli Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz has said while he believes Iran wants a nuclear deal to save its economy, the US should not let up on economic pressure or close an interim deal with the Islamic Republic as it would lead to the sanctions regime crumbling. Israel
Obama officials ask Congress to delay new Iran sanctions Senior White House national security officials met with aides to Senate leaders and urged for a delay in new sanctions legislation being considered by the Senate Banking Committee. Iran
White House meets Jewish leaders to press for delay in new Iran sanctions Administration officials met with Jewish leaders and assured them the US would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, but warned that additional sanctions at time could derail diplomacy. Iran
Iran FM Zarif outlines ideas to exit nuclear dispute Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif has said that throughout the last two month of nuclear talks he has proposed mechanisms be put in place to address the P5+1's concern of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, while noting that Iran must be allowed to reach its objective of retaining a peaceful nuclear energy program. Iran
Negotiators seek progress at Iran nuclear talks Diplomats from the P5+1 and Iran aim to make headway during the next round of nuclear talks; however, Zarif has said that if a deal is not reached during the next meeting 'it’s not a disaster'. Iran
US sees 2-phase Iran nuclear deal The US and five other powers will aim to reach an interim agreement that would halt the expansion of Iran's nuclear program in exchange for limited sanction relief before attempting to negotiate a comprehensive deal. Iran
