Newsletter: FutureVerse Red Sea tech risks resurface An estimated 17% of the world’s internet traffic and 90% of Europe-Asia communications traverse submarine cables in the Red Sea. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
What is keeping foreign money out of Iran’s stock exchanges? Beyond the remaining US primary sanctions, a plethora of issues within Iran is effectively acting to hold back badly needed foreign investment. Iran
Is Iranian parliament warming up to Rouhani? Iranian President Hassan Rouhani appears to be the winner following Ali Larijani's re-election as Iran's parliament speaker for the third time. Iran
Iran finds new port partner in India Though Iran has made use of the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions to boost ties with India, deepening trade with New Delhi is only part of its vision for such cooperation. Iran
Khomeini’s grandson says there is more to Islam than hijab In a TV interview, Hassan Khomeini discussed a number of controversial issues such as Islam, the hijab and newcomers to the revolution. Iran
Iranian Cannes-troversy continues Asghar Farhadi's latest film has been the subject of a number of controversies since winning two awards at the Cannes Film Festival. Iran
EU eyes return as Iran’s first trade partner With the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions, Iran and the European Union can now restore their commercial ties — but not without bumps in the road. Iran
Why was hajj for Iranian pilgrims canceled this year? After failing to resolve differences with Saudi Arabia, Iranians will be unable to attend the hajj pilgrimage this year. Saudi Arabia
Iran's 'marriage of convenience' with Taliban Experts say reports of an Iran-backed Taliban buffer zone in Afghanistan against the Islamic State are overstated but that Iran has had links with Taliban commanders for over a decade. Iran
Is Iran about to cut Muqtada al-Sadr loose? While refraining from breaking with Muqtada al-Sadr and his rebellious followers, Iran is not fully embracing the Iraqi cleric either. Iraq
How Iranian conservatives seized Assembly of Experts chairmanship All of the moderates' calculations were correct ahead of the vote for the chairmanship of Iran’s Assembly of Experts — but they didn't account for one important factor: conservative mobilization. Iran
Did Iran’s president sideline his own brother? Iranian media are speculating as to why Hossein Fereydoun, brother and special adviser to President Hassan Rouhani, has not attended Cabinet meetings for two months. Iran
Iranians in uproar over executive pay at state-owned company Leaks of executive pay at Iran’s main state-owned insurance company spark a public backlash, with a hint of what President Hassan Rouhani may face as the country enters election season yet again. Iran