Newsletter: China-Middle East China hedges as US–Iran truce stalls China is bracing for two possible paths: negotiated de-escalation or a prolonged conflict where energy access grows more politicized and costly. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Turkey confirms Iraq troop withdrawal as NATO pulls back due to Iran war The confirmation of the withdrawal came as part of NATO’s decision to withdraw its forces in its Iraq mission amid Iran war. Turkey
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
Did Iran’s foreign minister write to Tillerson? An Iranian hard-line member of parliament has claimed that Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is engaged in correspondence with the US secretary of state. United States
Saudis make surprise trip to Iraq: Why now? Saudi Arabia is making overtures to Iraq as Iran's influence expands in the region. Saudi Arabia
How Iran's hard-line media reacted to Oscar win While Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar for “The Salesman” was warmly welcomed by moderates and Reformists, the hard-line media tried to discredit the achievement, opining the award was politically motivated. United States
5 Rouhani allies in the crosshairs of Iran's hard-liners In the months leading up to Iran’s May 19 presidential election, conservative opponents will likely focus on incumbent President Hassan Rouhani's inner circle. Iran
Iran's priciest export at risk Overfishing and pollution are not only threatening production of Iran’s prized caviar, but also the health of millions of Iranians living along the shores of the Caspian Sea. Iran
Will Iran’s Guardian Council disqualify Rouhani from running? With Iran's presidential election three months away, tongues are openly wagging about the Guardian Council's potentially disqualifying President Hassan Rouhani from running for re-election, and the Priniciplists suspect a ploy to portray him as a victim. Iran
Iranian MPs move to hand control over bond market to Central Bank Iran’s moderate-leaning parliament appears to be pushing for control over the lucrative bond market to be given to the central bank. Iran
Iran's Rouhani warns military not to intervene in elections Just three months before Iran’s presidential election and with conservative figures announcing their candidacy, President Hassan Rouhani warned military institutions against interfering in the vote. Iran
Despite tough talk, US unlikely to take on Iranian forces in Iraq The new US administration has adopted strict stances toward Iran, but any military clash between the United States and the factions Iran supports in Iraq would only increase Iranian influence. Iraq
Iran pulls Palestine from the margins The Iranian leadership turns out in force for Palestinian conference; Turkey’s victory in al-Bab may be a prelude to a showdown with the Syrian Kurds. Palestine
Why Iran wants Palestine back on regional agenda Iran hosts a conference in support of the Palestinian intifada as it seeks to put the Palestinian cause back at the top of its regional agenda. Saudi Arabia
Is Iran-Turkey tension intentional? Turkey, while seeking to access Gulf funds and boost its defense industry exports, has risked economic relations with Iran — but the risk could also hold opportunity. Turkey
