Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy Lebanon, Israel begin 7th round of talks in Rome; Turkey calls on Russia, Ukraine to ensure Black Sea safety after drone attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Another US-Iran truce, same Hormuz standoff: What comes next Since February, two major diplomatic efforts have produced temporary pauses in fighting, but neither has translated into a lasting agreement. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Lacking leverage over Trump, Israel stays quiet on US-Iran talks Realizing it has little to no influence over President Donald Trump’s decision-making, the Israeli government has remained silent on the possibility of the United States and Iran resuming negotiations. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US military options narrow as Trump calls off Iran strikes: What to know Left with few good military options that won't risk triggering major Iranian regional retaliation, American officials aim to return to the negotiating table with arguably fewer cards. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran denies negotiations with US after Trump calls off strikes By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
3 Iranian rangers killed by poachers in 48 hours After three Iranian rangers were killed by poachers in 48 hours, some Iranians are asking if the law is doing enough to protect them. Iran
Why Iranians are turning against Leonardo DiCaprio The announcement of a Hollywood biopic about 13th-century Persian poet Rumi with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role has sparked an outcry among Iranians. Iran
Iran rejects speculation on shift, divisions over Syria Iranian officials claim no differences among officials on Syria; Russia may be rethinking its Syria strategy; UN envoy stresses need for US, Russia “critical mass” in Syria. Syria
Rouhani adviser says Brexit 'historic opportunity' for Iran While some Iranian officials have spoken in favor of Britain's referendum in leaving the European Union, it is unclear what advantage there is for Iran. Iran
Should next US president consider an Iran nuke deal 2.0? Sen. Chris Coons says it's critical to forge new relationships between top US and Iranian officials when the Barack Obama administration leaves office to ensure continued smooth implementation of the landmark nuclear deal. Congress
Is Iran’s Syria policy really about to shift? Iranian officials have rejected suggestions that a staff reshuffle at the Foreign Ministry means the country’s regional policies are soon to change. Syria
Are major players shifting strategies in Syria? Russia and the US find themselves in a complex situation in Syria, with plenty of doubt to go around. Syria
Iranians shocked after deaths of 19 soldiers in bus accidents Iranian social media users and officials expressed grief and outrage after 19 Iranian soldiers were killed in two separate bus accidents. Iran
Why Iran should come off financial watchdog’s blacklist Given major international banks’ continued reluctance to engage with Iranian counterparts despite the nuclear deal, getting Iran off of the FATF blacklist is a key step in addressing this threat to the nuclear deal. United States
Could Foreign Ministry shakeup impact Iran's regional policies? Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has denied speculation that the recent change at the deputy foreign minister position is the result of appeasing foreign countries. Syria
Iranian conservatives may be forced to embrace Rouhani Iranian conservatives may have no choice but to find a way to engage with incumbent President Hassan Rouhani with the country only a year away from its next presidential election. Iran
Soleimani issues rare political statement on Bahrain The head of Iran’s Quds Force, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, condemned the decision by Bahrain to strip the citizenship of Shiite leader Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim. Bahrain