Syrian Kurds ponder Afrin’s recapture in shadow of Idlib crisis

The Syrian Kurds' partial collaboration with Syrian government forces in northwestern Aleppo has so far failed to expand amid whirlwind developments in Idlib.

Syria

Repercussions of Iranian radicals running the country

Ultraconservatives won the day in Iran’s parliamentary elections, but the saying comes to mind, "Be careful what you wish for."

Iran

Intel: Trump administration seeks to extend UN arms embargo on Iran

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Congress today that the United States will appeal to the international community to extend the United Nations arms embargo on Iran that is set to expire in October under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal.

United States

Hook to Al-Monitor: 'Diplomatic malpractice' to let UN arms ban on Iran expire this year

Top US diplomat Brian Hook tells Al-Monitor they are "looking at what we can do” to assist the Iranian people during the coronavirus outbreak and he has confidence in the new Swiss humanitarian channel, but "the regime has first responsibility to its own people."

United States

Intel: Trump administration eases humanitarian trade restrictions on Iran amid coronavirus fears

The Donald Trump administration slightly eased sanctions on Iran today to allow for trade in medical supplies and food as Tehran struggles to respond to the coronavirus outbreak throughout the country.

United States

Coronavirus gives kiss of death to Iran’s tourism industry before Nowruz

A coronavirus outbreak in Iran is hitting the country’s already battered tourism industry, and the timing couldn’t be worse as many would normally travel for the Persian New Year.

Iran

Tehran Friday prayers fall victim to coronavirus

Iranian officials have ordered the cancellation of major events and gatherings and closed universities in an attempt to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

Iran

Iran accuses enemies of coronavirus scaremongering

Tehran is tossing around accusations of fomenting panic over the coronavirus epidemic as the country's biggest holiday approaches.

Iran

Why Iraq may opt to avoid lawsuit over Soleimani killing

Iraqi political parties have abstained from involving Iraq in the preparation of a judicial file involving the assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

Iraq

Fast-spreading coronavirus pushes Iran closer to lockdown

Despite conflicting reports, Iran's death toll from the coronavirus epidemic is rising a few weeks ahead of the country’s New Year holidays.

Iran

Can this veteran singer save Kurdish people's forgotten tunes?

Kurdish singer Mazhar Khaliqi says the Kurds should use globalization and technology to carry their musical tradition beyond the borders of the Middle East.

Iraq

Iran says Qom 'almost stable' after coronavirus outbreak

Iran’s Health Ministry has assured the public it is addressing the corona outbreak that has killed at least 12 in the country.

Iran