Analysis Why Spain took Europe's lead in opposing US-Israel war in Iran Like with the Gaza war, Madrid has taken a vocal role in opposing the monthlong Iran conflict. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Why Trump's infrastructure-focused strikes risk hardening Iran's war posture Targeting infrastructure has opened a new phase in the US-Israel-Iran war, hardening Tehran's stance and pushing the conflict toward attrition with fewer off-ramps. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran strikes Gulf again, hitting Kuwait refinery as UAE shuts gas hub Kuwait’s desalination plant and key refinery have been damaged, and the UAE has suspended Habshan operations after debris from intercepted missiles caused a fire. Kuwait
Is Iran really to blame for Yemen conflict? Yemen's conflict is homegrown and the only way to stabilize the country's descent into civil war is through a political deal. Saudi Arabia
Classical singer claims performance ban in Iran Iran’s most famous classical singer says he was banned from performing in Iran over his criticism of the 2009 protest crackdown. Iran
What will lifting sanctions do to Iran's rial? The removal of sanctions will likely substantially strengthen the rial and could lead to a wave of cheap and wasteful imports into Iran, economists have warned. Iran
Khamenei: We will not negotiate under 'specter of threats' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's harsh words were likely a response to comments by US Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, who have suggested that the military option is still on the table. Iran
Price impact of Iranian oil uncertain, says US official In an interview with Al-Monitor, Amos Hochstein, special envoy and coordinator for International Energy Affairs at the US State Department, says Middle Eastern countries are increasingly investing in renewables, international oil companies are returning to Egypt and Israel needs get its regulatory house in order if it wants foreign investments in offshore natural gas. Legacy: Gulf
Congress ponders next step for rejecting Iran deal Republicans won't let a veto threat stop them from voicing their opposition. Congress
Arab states worry over Senate's 'Jewish State' debate An Iran bill amendment could create an uncomfortable precedent for Arab allies of the United States. Israel
Saudi re-reshuffle turning point for relations with Tehran King Salman's recent reshuffling of key positions and statements by the grand mufti and Iran's supreme leader point to strife between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia, Iran both losers in Yemen war Despite the announcement of the end of Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen, Saudi Arabia seems to have failed militarily, while Iran may have lost on the political level. Saudi Arabia
Iran cancels popular sitcom for mocking country's hospitals A TV comedy highlighting and mocking many of the problems of Iranian health care has been canceled after complaints from a medical association. Iran
Zarif's denial on political prisoners sparks backlash Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reiterated over Facebook his claim that Iran does not jail anyone for their political beliefs. Iran
Saudi shake-up underscores stakes in Yemen Saudi credibility on the line in Yemen; al-Qaeda’s “free rein” in Yemen; Iraq seeks balance, distance from Saudi-Iranian rivalry; Iran’s Reformists still waiting for Rouhani to deliver; Syrian government intensifies attacks on rebel-held areas of Aleppo. Saudi Arabia