Netanyahu fears being left out as Trump pursues Iran diplomacy Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was not surprised by President Donald Trump’s suspension of Project Freedom and move toward talks with Iran, but analysts say Washington may not be fully weighing Israel's concerns in negotiations with Tehran. Israel
China’s overland trade routes offer Iran wartime economic lifeline: What to know Cargo rail traffic between China and Iran has reportedly surged since the US blockade began in April as Tehran seeks overland trade alternatives to help buy time. Iran
Analysis Why Iran's wartime behavior risks lasting rupture with Gulf states Iran's rhetoric and policies toward Gulf states have sharply escalated, raising questions about whether years of painstaking regional rapprochement can survive mounting distrust and maritime confrontations. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Netanyahu banks on escalation with Iran The Israeli prime minister expects political windfall from revealing "an open secret" about Iran’s past nuclear program. Israel
In Iran, religious titles lie at heart of political games Despite pushback from senior figures such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the politicization of clerical ranks in Iran continues unabated. Iran
Saudi Arabia, Iran vie for economic influence in Iraq Saudi Arabia is seeking to enter the Iraqi market aggressively, along with a political presence, and increase the competition with its opponent Iran in the Iraqi arena. Saudi Arabia
Culture Alert: Fairs and fears of the future The Middle East culture scene in May includes street festivals, book fairs and visions of a dystopian future. Palestine
Israeli centrist leader challenges Netanyahu on his own turf Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid’s combined media attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intended to present him as a major player in the diplomatic and security arena. Israel
US troops on Yemen border ruffle congressional feathers Recent revelations that US ground troops are helping Saudi-led coalition forces target Houthi missile stockpiles in Yemen have renewed calls on Capitol Hill for more congressional oversight in the war. Saudi Arabia
Prospects dim for Iran entering missile talks The expected collapse of the nuclear deal and the escalated confrontation between Iran and Israel in Syria is minimizing space for negotiations over Iran's missile program. Iran
Iran's FM takes to YouTube to reject renegotiating nuclear deal Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has posted an English-language video to YouTube laying out Iranian positions on the nuclear deal, including why Tehran will not be revisiting the agreement despite threats by US President Donald Trump to exit it if it is not reopened and other issues addressed. United States
Netanyahu champion of 'don’t worry' approach Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted the careless approach of some of his predecessors, reassuring Israelis that "everything is gonna be alright." Palestine
Pentagon blows deadline to pry Iraq off US military aid The Donald Trump administration will continue to foot the bill for rebuilding Iraq’s defense institutions amid rising Iranian influence. Iraq
Iranians hesitant to leave Telegram for domestic apps The Iranian authorities’ move to ban the popular smartphone messaging app Telegram has been accompanied by a campaign to get people to use domestically developed alternatives. Iran
Iran’s FM says Qatar 'brought Saudi Arabia to its knees' Iran’s foreign minister slams the Saudi crown prince over his approach to foreign policy in a speech at a top Tehran university. Saudi Arabia