Analysis Iran regime turns sights on UAE as war widens beyond conventional front Iran's hard-line authorities are particularly sharpening threats against the United Arab Emirates, signaling a potential shift in targeting the Gulf state for enabling US and Israeli operations. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis How Azerbaijan benefits — and risks losing — from Iran war Azerbaijan is cashing in on soaring oil prices and Israeli demand, but risks Iranian retaliation, pipeline attacks and regional blowback if the war escalates. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran warns Trump against ground invasion as US troop presence surges Iranian media outlets have reported that the country has readied more than a million people fora possible ground conflict. Iran
Ukraine's Zelenskyy capitalizes on Iran war to ink security deal with Saudi Arabia Kyiv is using its domestic production of anti-drone technology and low-cost, AI-enabled interceptor drones to help Gulf states in countering Iranian drones. Saudi Arabia
Exclusive Israel suspects Trump betting on 3 Iran officials, including Ghalibaf, to end war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis In familiar standoff, US and Iranian demands leave little room for deal By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Newsletter: China-Middle East China hedges as US–Iran truce stalls By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
The Russian-Iranian alliance that wasn't Collaboration between Iran and Russia on regional matters is growing, but there are still major obstacles to a true Russian-Iranian alliance. Russia
Will gold exports help boost Iran's economy? Iran has lifted restrictions on the export of raw gold to support its fledgling gold industry, but the sector will need more upgrades to compete in the global market. Iran
What Iranian clerics really think of Cyrus the Great The backlash by one prominent Iranian cleric against the recent major gathering at the tomb of Cyrus the Great belies the Shiite clergy’s more nuanced approach to Iran’s pre-Islamic past. Iran
Iraqi National Alliance seeks Maliki-Sadr reconciliation The predominately Shiite National Alliance with Iranian support is trying to reconcile between Vice President Nouri al-Maliki and Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Iraq
Why Iranian-Saudi game in Lebanon is far from over Iranian officials were quick to congratulate Michel Aoun on becoming president of Lebanon, while their Saudi rivals, not so pleased with his new position, took a little longer. Saudi Arabia
Russia emerges as a center of gravity for Israel Given that Russia’s influence in the Middle East excluding Syria remains limited, Moscow is looking for other entry points — but can Israel offer such an opportunity? Palestine
Controversy flares over opening of EU office in Iran Iran's Foreign Ministry has sparked confusion in sending mixed signals about the government's position on opening an EU office in Tehran. Iran
What minefields await Lebanon's new president? Michel Aoun was sworn in just a week ago, and he already faces a full agenda of crucial issues as Lebanon's president. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia losing ground to Iran Saudi influence in the region has been on the decline for a number of reasons, and the kingdom has now suffered another setback in Lebanon with the election of President Michel Aoun, an ally of Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia
How Iran’s auto industry became the new domestic political football Iranian hard-liners are targeting automotive sector policies in their latest attack on the administration of President Hassan Rouhani. United States
Iran’s parliament shows its true colors The Iranian parliament’s vote of confidence to Rouhani’s new ministers signals that the legislature is now in the hands of supporters of the administration. Iran
Anti-US talk dominates Iranian media on anniversary of hostage crisis Across Iran, solemn speeches on the anniversary of the 1979 US Embassy takeover praised Tehran's defiance and expressed reservations about engaging with Washington. United States