Who was Alireza Tangsiri, Iranian IRGC naval chief said killed by Israel? Tangsiri played a key role in Iran’s operations in the Strait of Hormuz and has a long history of antagonizing the US. Iran
Trump says Iran’s 'gift' was allowing 10 oil ships through Hormuz Meanwhile the White House's top Mideast envoy said Iran "miscalculated" in assuming the US "can’t win militarily" as Iran weighs a 15-point US plan to end the war. United States
No ships transit Hormuz as Iran plans safe-passage tolls: What to know An Iranian lawmaker told Fars News Agency that Tehran plans to charge ships tolls to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, formalizing the country’s control over the strategic waterway. Iran
In Lebanon, deadline looms for expelling Iran envoy amid Hezbollah pushback The Lebanese Foreign Ministry’s decision to expel the Iranian ambassador to Beirut has exposed deep divisions among the political class as Iran-backed Hezbollah remains engaged in a war with Israel. Lebanon
Analysis Meet Bagher Zolghadr, a hard-line IRGC veteran now Iran's security chief By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Whose ears burn most when Russia, Israel meet? Moscow has been hosting an array of dignitaries recently, leaving observers to speculate on the possible topics of conversation. Israel
Why Iran-Turkey tension won’t spiral out of control Despite the increasing verbal confrontations between Iran and Turkey, tension between the neighbors is unlikely to spiral out of control. Turkey
Zarif gives Netanyahu lesson in Jewish scripture Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments on ancient Persia have angered Iranian officials. Israel
US puts off announcing decision on Raqqa until after Turkey referendum The US military wants to work with local forces against the Islamic State in Raqqa, but still is working out many of the details, including who should hold what ground after IS is defeated. Israel
Yemen war turns two Saudi Arabia and the United States need to put more thought into the endgame for the war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Why do Iranian banks remain stuck with toxic assets? Will the continued fragile condition of Iranian banks compel the Central Bank to launch a quantitative easing program? Iran
How Turkey-Iran trade deal collapsed in two years Mutual tariff cuts and the lifting of international sanctions on Iran have failed to contain the decline in Turkish-Iranian trade, hit hard by regional rivalry and political tensions between the two neighbors. Turkey
Zarif visits Qatar as Iran, Saudi Arabia continue hajj talks Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif traveled to Qatar to discuss bilateral relations after a flurry of diplomatic activity recently between Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Saudi Arabia
Did boycott win Farhadi an Oscar — and Islamic Republic’s embrace? Iranian authorities have clearly welcomed director Asghar Farhadi’s latest Oscar, unlike last time — but what is next for this Academy Award winner? Iran
Why Iran’s auto ambitions will benefit economy, not consumers Iran appears focused on transforming itself into a regional car manufacturing hub in the coming years — but at what price? Iran
Ahmadinejad blamed as US rulings freeze more Iranian assets A new freeze of Iranian assets as a result of US court rulings over terrorist attacks sparks ire in Iran. United States
Gulf countries take back seat on Syria route It seems Saudi Arabia is more interested in Yemen than in Syria these days, which explains dwindling Gulf support for Syrian rebels. Saudi Arabia
