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

Shiite political differences widen gap between Najaf, Qom

The political differences between Qom and Najaf clerics indicate a sharp conflict between the two schools after Ali al-Sistani, whose death will create a broad vacuum in the Shiite scene.

Iraq

Has Hamas completely forgotten Saudi Arabia?

The appointment of Yahya Sinwar as Hamas’ head in the Gaza Strip undermines the rapprochement between the movement and Saudi Arabia, while drawing Iran closer to the Palestinian resistance.

Saudi Arabia

Will this woman become Iran’s first female president?

In a remarkable twist, Iranian Reformists appear to eagerly welcome the potential candidacy of female Principlist Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi in the upcoming presidential elections.

Iran

Was Obama lost opportunity for Iran-US relations?

Iran’s foreign minister believes that recent criticism by Iran’s neighbors stems from their regional failures.

Saudi Arabia

Food vs. guns: Will Hamas chose Egypt or Iran?

The military wing of Hamas in Gaza pressures the new boss Yahya Sinwar to mend ties with Iran, while the residents of the Gaza Strip need the assistance of Egypt against the misery of the long closure.

Palestine

Can Iran's Khamenei rule out ‘national reconciliation’?

Despite his stated skepticism of the idea of national reconciliation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may in effect be maneuvering to decide the terms of such a reconciliation.

Iran

Is Ahmadinejad defying Khamenei’s 'advice' to abandon ambitions?

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is believed to be back in the game with his former deputy’s announcement that he intends to run in the upcoming presidential elections.

Iran

Turkish-Iranian rivalry hits peak as Syria talks kick off

Both countries accuse each other of destabilizing the region and undermining security in Iraq and Syria.

Syria

Israel defense minister: We must coordinate moves with Trump

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman confirmed that he still supports a two-state solution, but one involving population as well as land swaps and as one part of a regional agreement.

Palestine

Will new travel ban impede Iran-US athletic competition?

Champion American wrestler Jordan Burroughs says he feels nothing but love from Iranians but “obviously, Donald Trump sees Iran a little different than I see Iran.”

United States

How 'Half of the World' is attracting tourists to Iran

Esfahan, or "Half of the World" as it is dubbed in Persian, is attracting ever more foreign tourists to Iran in the aftermath of the lifting of sanctions.

Iran