Iran floats ‘plan B’ to defuse Hormuz standoff, delay nuclear talks The proposal would postpone negotiations over Iran's nuclear program in an attempt to break the deadlock. Iran
Turkey’s military spending jumps to $30B, leads Mideast growth in 2025 Newly released data shows Ankara’s military spending hit $30 billion, while Saudi Arabia remained the region’s top spender and Israel’s outlays declined in 2025. Turkey
Pistachios reach highest prices in eight years amid Iran war Pistachio prices rose to around $4.57 a pound in March, their highest since 2018, according to data company Expana. Iran
Iran FM meets Putin, Russia’s military intel chief as talks stall: What to know Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed to Russia following visits to Pakistan and Oman over the weekend as talks with Washington are at a standstill. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran FM blames US for failed talks after landing in Russia By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Analysis Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Araghchi’s Russia, regional tour tests path to breaking US-Iran deadlock By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran not ready to recognize Taliban government Shiite-dominated Iran has called for Afghanistan's new Sunni leaders to form a government that reflects the country's ethnic diversity. Iran
Iran commemorates anniversary of Soleimani’s death Iranians marked the two-year anniversary of the death of former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, vowing to "exact revenge." Iran
Middle East elections had consequences in 2021 Elections in Israel, Iran and Iraq shook up status quo; Syria’s presidential contest a blow to the UN process; Libya and Palestine took a pass on elections, with consequences as well. News Brief
The Takeaway: Iran seeks sanctions assurances as West loses patience Negotiators meet again in Vienna as the US warns Iran is "playing with fire." Plus, the Islamic State's recruitment drive, a transatlantic scandal in Israel, Lebanon's solar energy surge, and more. Iran
Iran bans travelers from four European countries Governments around the Middle East are instituting restrictions aimed at mitigating the spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Iran
Iran vows to blow up Israel's Dimona first if war breaks out After striking a mockup model of the Israeli nuclear facility with ballistic missiles in a recent war game, Iran said the site will be a prime target in any potential war with Israel. Iran
Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna Iranian officials say they are ready to stay as long as necessary in this latest round of talks. Iran
Venezuela's Maduro plans to visit Iran 'very soon' Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the two countries will sign new accords and "speed up processes of cooperation." Iran
The Takeaway: Israel fears Iran strike could ignite war with Hezbollah Erdogan’s rescue plan for the lira, Turkey’s Africa drone market, Lebanon’s homeless cats and dogs, Gaza’s racism, Gulf stock markets and more — in less than 1,300 words! Israel
Iran rejects UK, GCC statement on nuclear talks Iran's foreign ministry spokesman criticized Western countries for destabilizing the Gulf region in response to the UK-GCC statement about regional security. Iran
Intel: US concerned over Iran, Turkey, UAE-supplied drones in Ethiopia war Ethiopia's government has rejected calls for a cease-fire after routing Tigray rebels with the help of high-tech foreign drones. The Horn of Africa
Israeli army not ready to strike Iran's nuclear program According to reports, the IDF does not have the means to effectively and seriously damage Iran's nuclear facilities right now. Israel
