Analysis In familiar standoff, US and Iranian demands leave little room for deal What were already difficult negotiations before the war have grown even more fraught under Iran's new hard-line leadership. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
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
Khamenei thanks Trump for 'revealing real face of US' Iran’s supreme leader on Feb. 7 thanked President Donald Trump for revealing “the real face of the US.” Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign minister stated that the international community will not accept a renegotiation of the nuclear deal. United States
Hamas leader: Gaza won't harbor individuals who 'aim to harm Egypt' Deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al-Monitor that Hamas does "not interfere in Egypt's security affairs" and said some countries had contacted the movement to discuss a prisoner swap deal with Israel. Palestine
How Iran-Saudi rapprochement is impacting Lebanon Iran has been hinting at potential rapprochement with Saudi Arabia for quite some time now, and in Lebanon, historical rival parties are showing signs of consensus as well. Saudi Arabia
Americans to wrestle in Iran; Iranian archers not so lucky Iran reversed its ban on the entry of US wrestlers for a meet, but Iranian archers will not be able to compete at US event. United States
Three Iranian couples recount heartbreak of Trump’s travel ban The new US president's Jan. 27 executive order to ban Iranians and nationals of six other countries from entering the United States has directly impacted countless families, including couples who have found themselves separated. United States
Will Iran challenge Russian interests in European natural gas market? Iranian gas exports have been held back not only by sanctions, but also by Iran's lack of energy infrastructure and the country's domestic calculations. Russia
Why GCC has been silent on Trump's 'Muslim ban' Gulf states have failed to criticize the Trump administration for its recent "Muslim ban" in an attempt to keep the new US administration on their side in light of the economic and security challenge the Gulf region faces. Legacy: Gulf
US wrestlers barred from Iran in retaliation for Trump visa ban As US-Iran relations deteriorate over visa bans and missile launches, sports exchanges are collateral damage. United States
The most powerful woman in Iran The death of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has brought to the fore the story of the power and influence of Effat Marashi, his wife. Iran
Iran brushes off being 'put on notice' Iranian officials are downplaying threatening and critical remarks by the Trump administration, calling them “hollow threats.” United States
Iran’s Bank Mellat loses 37.5% in share value in one day The Tehran Stock Exchange tanks as market regulators allow resumption in trading of Bank Mellat shares. The key question is why there has been a sudden plunge. Iran
White House warns Iran on missile test, but signals intent to enforce nuclear deal Trump national security aides warned Iran against missile tests and its support for Yemen’s Houthi rebels, but said they were drawing a line between Iran’s regional behavior and the Iran nuclear deal. Yemen