Qasem Soleimani defends Hezbollah

In a rare speech, the head of Iran's Quds Force defended his country against accusations that it might be looking for trouble in the region.

Saudi Arabia

How Khomeini lost the battle, but is winning the war

Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, who only entered the fray two months ago, appears set to become an influential and effective figure in Iranian politics.

Iran

The IRGC's plan to win hearts and minds

Pro-regime culture portrays Qasem Soleimani as a brave, strong and mysterious commander as a key component in the campaign to recuperate trust in the IRGC among Iranians and to portray it as a formidable force in the region.

Iraq

Is the EU really ready to commit to Turkey?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is feeling his oats as he renegotiates his deal with the European Union.

Syria

How far will the Saudis go against Hezbollah?

With Saudi Arabia labeling Hezbollah a terrorist organization, a decision that was endorsed by the GCC, the kingdom hopes to legally pursue the Lebanese movement in international forums.

Legacy: Gulf

UN report: Iran executes nearly 1,000 people in 2015

Human rights activists say the nuclear deal and recent elections open a “window of opportunity” to pressure the Islamic Republic to improve its record on human rights.

Iran

Iranian banks told to get rid of excess properties

Under severe economic pressure, despite the lifting of sanctions, the Central Bank of Iran is moving to get commercial banks to sell their excess properties.

Iran

Khamenei laments 'loss' of hard-line Assembly of Experts members

At the last meeting of Iran’s outgoing Assembly of Experts, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed regret for the departure of two hard-liners and defended the Guardian Council's disqualification of several Reformist candidates.

Iran

Hamas drags feet on choosing between Iran, Saudi Arabia

Since the Gulf Cooperation Council decided to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization, Hamas has remained silent and refrained from taking sides so as not to endanger its regional relations.

Saudi Arabia

What's behind IAEA's change in reporting?

While critics complain that they are getting less information from the IAEA about Iran’s nuclear program after implementation of the JCPOA, a US official told Al-Monitor, “We get what we need.”

Iran

IRGC commander: We are not pulling troops from Syria

Following the firing of two ballistic missiles, an Iranian commander said that US pressure would only bring about more tests and said Iran would continue sending troops to Syria.

Israel

Why is the Palestinian Authority angry over Iran's offer of aid?

The Palestinian Authority is upset over Iran's announcement that it will provide money directly to the families of Palestinians who attack Israelis, bypassing the PA and PLO.

Palestine