Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? As the US-Israel-Iran war disrupts around 20% of global oil supply, experts point to opportunities and challenges facing a renewed push to develop alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
Iran denies US claim that nuclear talks include missiles Iran's deputy foreign minister has denied claims by the US State Department that Iran’s missile program is under discussion during the nuclear talks. Iran
What was behind Qasem Soleimani’s visit to Lebanon? Lebanese media reported that the commander of the Iranian Quds forces, Qasem Soleimani, met with Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, perhaps prompting the latter's changing the unwritten, retaliatory "rules of engagement" with Israel. Lebanon
US allies puzzled by March deadline for Iran deal The Obama administration, in negotiations with Congress, "bought two months, but sold three," for negotiations for a final Iran nuclear deal, according to a Western diplomat. Congress
Iranian opposition leader's wife recounts their captivity In an interview with Al-Monitor, the wife of Iran's Green Movement leader Mehdi Karroubi, Fatemeh Karroubi, shares details about her and her husband's house arrest as well as his demands. Iran
Zarif: some in Iran don’t want sanctions to end Iran’s foreign minister has accused groups inside and outside the country of opposing a nuclear deal. Iran
Tough choices ahead for US-Saudi relationship The longstanding relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia is in need of review, for Saudi human rights abuses and its domestic politics, for instance, are increasingly talked about topics by Americans and the world. Saudi Arabia
Hezbollah, Israel claim victory, reset deterrence Nasrallah steps back from confrontation with Israel after attack; Iran sanctions in perspective; Netanyahu plan may backfire; Kurdish victory in Kobani a setback for Turkey; Are Iraqi Kurdish land grabs sowing future conflict? Iraq
Iran's Zarif backed by foreign policy heavyweight Iranian diplomat Sadegh Kharazi, who has recently received permission to start his own political party and has family ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has thrown his support behind the nuclear talks. Iran
Hezbollah strike was 'minimum response,' warns Iran commander The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also stated that Israel should 'await a stronger response.' Israel
Moderate Islam pushes back extremism Terrorist operations carried out by radical Islamic groups around the world and in the Middle East have had the unintended effect of promoting moderate Islam, particularly in Iran. Iraq
Congress takes first step on Iran sanctions The Senate Banking Committee voted 18-4 in favor of repercussions if talks drag on. Congress
Rouhani: Khomeini chose peace when necessary Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini knew when it was time to make peace. Iran