Expediency and betrayal: Iran’s relationship with al-Qaeda

Contrary to Trump administration assertions of Iranian support for al-Qaeda, relations between the two have historically been poor, a new report argues.

Saudi Arabia

Turkey's Erdogan gets no love from Russia on Idlib

Disagreements between the presidents of Russia, Iran and Turkey were evident at a televised meeting today as they struggled to negotiate a solution on Syria.

Syria

Political differences ignite conflict between PMU factions

As the escalation rises between Shiite parties over the formation of the new government, the pro-Iranian factions in Popular Mobilization Units show strong objection against Abadi second term.

Iraq

Mortars hit Iraq's Green Zone as violent protests continue

As Iraq's political parties have failed to form a new government, unrest continues in Basra, where hundreds of people are being hospitalized each day due to a lack of basic services, especially clean water.

Iraq

Iran's Central Bank signals possible interest rate hike

While a reversal on current interest rate caps could help the Central Bank of Iran tackle rampant liquidity, the long-term effects of such a policy could unleash far broader crises.

Iran

Trump touts Mideast moves as Washington reels from 'Crazytown' accounts

As accounts emerge of White House aides' internal resistance to some of Trump's controversial policy decisions, the president boasts of his decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, cut off Palestinian aid and pull the plug on the Iran nuclear deal.

Palestine

Can Iran threaten US interests from Iraqi territories?

Iran has established a strong military foundation among its allies in Iraq, which allows it to threaten the United States and its allies everywhere in Iraq and neighboring countries.

Saudi Arabia

Attack on Rouhani exposes deep crack among Iranian conservatives

Triggered by increasingly harsh attacks on President Hassan Rouhani, new divisions are emerging within the opposition conservative establishment.

Iran

Female Reformist MP raises eyebrows with fiery speech in Iranian parliament

An Iranian Reformist lawmaker has proposed that referendums be held on disputed matters to save the country from the major crises it is facing.

Iran

Young cleric names and shames Iran's luxury-loving elite

With 233,000 followers, a young cleric from Qom has become the voice of Iranians who resent the ruling class' lavish lifestyles while the rest of the country is in dire need.

Iran

Iranian baby bottoms smacked as sanctions, hoarding create diaper crisis

Diaper prices have doubled as the product joins the growing list of goods experiencing sudden price jumps in Iran as the nation struggles with sanctions and currency issues.

Iran

Shiite split heats up as Iraqi lawmakers fail to elect speaker

Two Iraqi Shiite coalitions — one favored by the United States and the other by Iran — are competing hard to gain a majority in the parliament to form the next government.

Iraq