Iranians go to polls as hard-liners expect big win

Iran's parliamentary elections are widely seen as a one-sided contest that favors hard-liners.

Iran

Iran struggles to regain control of post-Soleimani PMU

After the loss of Soleimani and Muhandis, Iran is struggling to reorganize and reunite different PMU factions that previously operated under the guidance of Soleimani on behalf of Iran’s interests in Iraq.

Iraq

Coronavirus in Iran prompts fears of spread in Iraq

The outbreak of coronavirus in Iran prompted a wave of anti-Iranian sentiment among Iraqi protesters, who called for the closure of the border.

Iraq

Egypt may find Gaza more appealing without Haniyeh

Although tensions between the Egyptian authorities and Hamas were expected to escalate amid reports that Egypt had banned Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh from returning to Egypt and subsequently to Gaza, Egyptian analysts expect relations to be more relaxed in Haniyeh's absence.

Qatar

US sanctions Iranian Guardian Council members, holds off on UN snapback penalties

The Trump administration is coming under pressure from anti-Iran deal advocates to find a way to trigger the "snapback" of UN sanctions this year.

United States

Iran’s parliamentary elections a vote on Rouhani's economy

Iranians head to the polls Feb. 21, with Reformists largely sidelined, to elect their 11th parliament since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran

Far-left current rises from among Iranian hardliners

Iran’s ultraconservatives have given birth to their worst nightmare — a group so left-leaning that hardliners consider them would-be communists.

Iran

Iran says Zarif met with US senator for ‘public diplomacy’

Iran’s foreign minister says his weekend meeting with a US senator in Germany was a diplomatic effort to get his nation’s voice heard by the American people.

Congress

Intel: Why Trump is calling a Democrat’s Iran meeting illegal

President Donald Trump doubled down on his accusation today that Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., violated the law by meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the annual Munich Security Conference over the weekend.

United States

Report: Yemen’s Houthis now sporting deadlier drones

Yemen's Houthis are using newer and deadlier drone models that discharge explosives and shrapnel, according to a report.

Yemen

Khamenei tells Iranians voter turnout a religious duty

Iran’s supreme leader has called on the nation to vote in the Feb. 21 general elections to serve both their country and their religion.

Iran

Iran controversial director's new political drama lambasted by moderates

The new film of Ebrahim Hatamikia criticizing Reformist-backed President Hassan Rouhani was warmly welcomed by radicals, but interpreted by others as an unexpected shift in the controversial director’s loyalties.

Iran