Analysis Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan The proposed framework faces major hurdles and fault lines, ranging from NATO constraints to Israeli opposition and weak military integration. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Araghchi’s Russia, regional tour tests path to breaking US-Iran deadlock Iranian officials say dialogue remains open, but negotiations are clouded by intensifying hard-line domestic messaging and conflicting signals over Tehran’s red lines. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
IEA delivers grim gas supply forecast as oil notches 15% weekly rise A wave of new LNG supplies will be delayed for at least two years due to war-related damage to Qatari energy infrastructure, according the International Energy Agency's latest market update. Qatar
Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
The economics of social unrest in Iran While the protests themselves are unsurprising, given the economic crises plaguing the country, the fact that they were centered in the southwestern province of Khuzestan is significant. Iran
Iran high-rise collapse reignites debates on corruption In the wake of the tragedy, Iranian authorities made multiple arrests, but offered conflicting accounts on the fate of the building owner known for his connections with corridors of power. Iran
Will the FIFA World Cup help bridge Iran-US gaps? The US men's national soccer team is in the most politically charged group along with Iran and possibly Ukraine, among other teams. Iran
Iran, Oman to jointly develop oil field Iran's president is in Muscat seeking increased cooperation with Oman on energy and transportation. Iran
Iran nuclear deal back in play after EU envoy's visit Multiple sources in Iran say Mora left Tehran with 'more than suggestions' for a revival of the deal, while both sides may have moved on from differences. Iran
Iran vows harsh crackdown on economic protests Despite a massive security presence, many Iranian cities continue to witness rallies triggered by soaring prices, with protesters chanting slogans against the country's top leadership. Iran
Khamenei warns Iranians of danger in declining birth rate Iran’s Supreme Leader has encouraged officials to continue the work of increasing the birth rate, but that is a challenge even in economically prosperous countries. Iran
Iran reveals identities of two detained French 'spies' State media aired what it said was Intelligence Ministry footage of the arrest of two French citizens, accused of attempting to "instigate chaos" by inciting Iran's protesting teachers. Iran
Cuba seeks food security help from Iranian private sector Iran and Cuba also pledged to boost trade during a summit in Tehran. Iran
Iran opens drone factory in Tajikistan Iran is seeking to strengthen ties with its fellow Persian-speaking country and drones play a big role in the Islamic Republic’s military strategy. Iran
Nationwide protests in Iran as food prices increase Subsidy cuts have led to nationwide protests in Iran. Iran
Will Iran look east if nuclear deal talks fail? The European Union’s deputy foreign policy chief was in Tehran this week, but there are indications that Iran may be preparing backup options. Iran