Analysis Iran executes alleged MEK members in bid to signal wartime control Iran's execution of four alleged opposition members underscores a wartime strategy of tightening domestic control — leveraging a familiar "enemy" narrative to manage internal dissent and uncertainty. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis How the Iran war is giving Turkey's Erdogan a big boost Opinion polls show Turks turning to Erdogan as a steady hand during the war, even as the country's finances remain fragile. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Who is Handala, the hacktivist group US ties to Iranian intelligence? Handala Hack Team portrays itself as a pro-Palestinian group but is widely believed to be linked to Iranian intelligence. Iran
Jet fuel squeeze exposes Europe’s reliance on Middle East supply Lawmakers on the continent have been told to make "timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially prolonged disruption" in energy flows from the region. Iran
Analysis Israel urges US escalation against Iran, possible ground invasion By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran's hard-liners: Just say no to diplomacy While diplomacy helped secure the release of US sailors held by Iran, some hard-liners believe the countries are becoming too close for comfort. Iran
Iran-India energy cooperation opens new horizons While the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline may sound the death knell to the Iran-Pakistan-India project, the Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline may deliver Iranian gas to India through an undersea pipeline. Oman
Implementation date of nuclear deal to be announced within days Nuclear negotiator Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that by Jan. 17, the date of the final implementation of the nuclear deal will be announced. Iran
What’s Larijani’s game for the parliamentary elections? As Iran is set to hold parliamentary elections, parliament Speaker Ali Larijani seems to be preparing for an increasingly important role. Iran
US sailors depart Iran US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter credits the Kerry-Zarif channel and US-Iran diplomatic engagement for the swift release of US sailors. Iran
Lebanon feels aftershocks of Saudi-Iran crisis The current crisis between Saudi Arabia and Iran against the backdrop of the execution of Shiite Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr has already affected the strained relationship between Sunnis and Shiites in Lebanon, but will it reinforce Christian political ties? Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu offers royal welcome to new IDF submarine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally welcomed Israel's fifth German-made submarine. Israel
US says Iran promised swift release of sailors An incident in which US sailors were held by Iran in the Gulf waters comes at a particularly sensitive moment, as implementation day for last year's nuclear deal is expected within days. Iran
Why Iran-Saudi fallout will be costly for Moscow The dispute between Iran and Saudi Arabia could promote instability throughout the Middle East, which will be especially problematic for Russia and its policy of not choosing sides. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani fires back at criticism of economic management Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has reminded critics that he is managing the country with oil near $30 per barrel, not the highs of the previous administration. Iran
Are reported Iran-Russia arms deals genuine? Despite numerous reports of talks on various Iran-Russia arms deals, it remains unclear whether such agreements are about to actually be signed or whether they are merely a form of psychological warfare. Russia
After Saudi Embassy attack in Iran, top security officials fired Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has made a point of holding top security officials responsible for allowing the attack on the Saudi Embassy. Saudi Arabia