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
How Iran will choose its next supreme leader A special group has been formed to review candidates for the next supreme leader. Iran
Will Syria become Russia's Vietnam? Israel is worried that the Russian submarine now patrolling near the Syrian coast will collect intelligence data on Israel, and fears Moscow’s Syrian adventure could drag on for a long time. Israel
Will changes to US Visa Waiver Program torpedo Iran deal implementation? If signed into law, proposed changes to the Visa Waiver Program will likely antagonize US allies and trade partners, as well as key players vested in the implementation of the JCPOA. Iran
Will Iran support the intifada? After relations took a hit from the Syrian civil war, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has reached out to Iran for help. Palestine
More veils lift as topic loses political punch in Iran In Iran, efforts to depoliticize the veil and criticism of the theological justifications for its coerced use are paving the ground for change. Iran
Are Turkey and Iran reviving a 16th century conflict? Turkey's Iraq policy can be traced back to its rivalry with Iran in Mesopotamia centuries ago. Iraq
EU, Iran relationship heats up The European Union has created an Iran Task Force to facilitate the implementation of the nuclear deal, develop relations and build a framework for regional cooperation. Iran
'Corruption on earth' brings death penalty in Iran Iranian member of parliament Ahmad Tavakoli is skeptical that the removal of sanctions will address economic problems in Iran. Iran
Rouhani ups election ante Beyond a second term, President Hassan Rouhani is seemingly setting his sights on another key Iranian state institution — the Assembly of Experts. Iran
Did Erdogan threaten Iran? Spokesman for the Hassan Rouhani administration denies that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan "threatened" Iran regarding negative media coverage. Turkey
Will Lebanon finally get a new president? After 32 tries failed to produce a winner in Lebanon's long quest for a president, observers hope the 33rd time's a charm. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani challenges Guardian Council...again Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has once again raised the issue of the Guardian Council's role in the elections. Iran