Newsletter: FutureVerse MENA tightens control over online space New restrictions across MENA are reshaping access to the internet. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
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
IRGC says Afghanistan exit a ‘lesson’ not to rely on US An official from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps says the US exit from Afghanistan is a lesson for regional leaders. Iran
Iran ramps up uranium enrichment as nuclear talks stall The UN International Atomic Energy Agency also has concluded that Iran is continuing to produce uranium metal in violation of the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran
Afghan chaos further incentive for India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran The recent rise of the Taliban in Kabul has expedited New Delhi's efforts to boost ties with Iran, which is positioned to be India's main corridor to Afghanistan, yet major challenges remain. Iran
Iran's Kabul embassy 'operational' despite Taliban takeover The statement suggested the Islamic Republic's apparent willingness to work with a new Taliban-led government as opposed to the Iranian public's fury against the extremist group's fast-paced takeover. Iran
US blasts Iran's uranium metal production as 'unconstructive' The State Department condemned Iran's violations of the deal following a UN watchdog report that found Tehran has produced 200 grams of uranium metal enriched up to 20%. Iran
Whither US policy toward Iran? The election of Iran's new president and the Taliban's stunning takeover in Afghanistan have somewhat shaken up the Iran nuclear deal talks, but the United States and Iran clearly know reinstating the deal is in both their favor. United States
Iran's Raisi calls US 'defeat' in Afghanistan opportunity for peace Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's comments came as the deteriorating security situation forced Tehran to draw down its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. Iran
Iran maintains cautious calm as Taliban rises Iran has been quietly watching the rise of the Taliban on its eastern border. Iran
Russian, UK envoys ignite fury in Iran with 'inappropriate' restaged photo A restaged version at the Russian Embassy in Tehran of the historic 1943 photo showing Soviet, American and British "Big Three" leaders at the then-Soviet Embassy angered many Iranians, who have historically seen the 1943 Tehran Conference as a bitter symbol of subordination to world powers. Iran
Raisi inauguration reveals rifts in Iran establishment Apart from the controversy over an EU representative's presence at the event, the absence of once powerful politicians laid bare divisions in Iran's upper echelons. Iran
Iran's supreme leader urges officials to acquire vaccines 'any way possible' Khamenei called on officials to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine any way they can. Iran
