Newsletter: Business & Tech Brent dips on Hormuz, Iran deal optimism Energy markets swing on Iran deal hopes as Hormuz disruption drives global costs higher. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Iran, China discuss Hormuz reopening amid potential US-Iran talks China’s foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart that “persisting in negotiations is particularly important.” Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks A tentative diplomatic opening with Iran emerges as the US sustains its pressure campaign. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Rubio warns Iran of 'total defeat' if it refuses deal Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for Iran "to make a sensible choice" and resume negotiations. Iran
Analysis Iran's Gulf gambit: Attacking the UAE to shift US calculations By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran arrests dozens at International Workers’ Day protests Iran has marked International Worker's Day with arrests and threats against independent labor unions. Iran
Badr strongman Amiri faces dissent within his group's ranks Powerful Iraqi politician Hadi al-Amiri is up against strong opposition within his own Badr Organization, as hundreds of members accuse him of being corrupt and exploiting power. Iraq
Yemen's divided parliament growing further apart Literally and figuratively, the two sides of Yemen's split parliament are miles away from each other and show no sign of reconciliation. Saudi Arabia
Iranian teachers fill gap between state, society after floods Teachers in Iran have played an important role in relief efforts in the wake of recent flooding, shining a light on the impact of Iranians' mistrust of the state. Iran
How the Holocaust became part of Israel’s identity Over the years, the memory of the Holocaust has shaped the new Israeli identity with notions of victimhood rather than lessons of tolerance. Palestine
Pakistan steps up efforts to soothe Iran Pakistan is managing to maintain a delicate balance in its foreign relations despite the fierce rivalry between two of its allies, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Legacy: Gulf
Iran intensifies nuclear diplomacy but says patience 'running thin' The Iranian Foreign Ministry seems to have launched a fresh drive to salvage the JCPOA, as the future of the country’s oil revenue hangs in the balance due to reinstated US sanctions. United States
Here’s how Iran wants to take its financial system on the blockchain A major project commissioned by the Central Bank of Iran aims to incorporate blockchain technologies in the country’s banking and financial system, and potentially employ a sovereign rial-backed cryptocurrency. Iran
After cleric's murder, Iranians debate hate speech on social media The murder of a cleric in Iran has opened a new battle between Reformists and hard-liners, as the two sides clash over who instigated the killing. Iran
Why Iran-US confrontation may intensify under new IRGC commander A sharp-tongued commander taking the helm of Iran's most powerful military force has been interpreted by many as a signal that Tehran is bracing for more tensions, including a possible military conflict with the United States. Iran
Zarif criticized for showing ‘weakness’ in proposing Iran-US prisoner swap While Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has floated the possibility of talks with the United States over prisoners, others in Iran have rejected showing any signs of "weakness" amid ramped up outside pressure. United States
Bill to restrict consecutive MP terms raises debate in Iran A bill to limit the number of consecutive terms of Iranian parliamentarians is stirring debate amid accusations that it may be a hard-liner plot to seize the legislative branch. Iran