With Trump's goals unmet, can strikes on Iran's economy force a deal? Ordering the US military to destroy Iran's road transit system and electrical grid risks war crimes that may harden Iranian resistance after five weeks of bombing has failed to deliver Trump’s strategic objectives. United States
From France to India: Who is Iran allowing through the Strait of Hormuz? Ships from Qatar turned around on Monday after sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz, while a growing number of countries have received permission to traverse the waterway. Iran
‘No bridges, no power plants’: Trump ups threats against Iran if deal fails President Trump said he wasn't worried that striking civilian infrastructure could amount to war crimes. Iran
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals Rising regional tensions and disrupted oil flows are giving Damascus leverage to balance Ankara and other neighbors while exploring alternative energy corridors. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
IS sent warning letters to Middle East embassies Iran's deputy foreign minister has said that the Islamic State sent letters to embassies warning them not to attack the group and that the United States notified Iran and Syria that its coalition would not target Syrian bases. Iraq
John Kerry: Iran deal not 'out of reach' Speaking ahead of a trilateral meeting in Vienna, US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed hope for the nuclear deal. Iran
Zarif says 'many issues' remain as nuclear talks resume Despite the president's proclaimed optimism, Iran's foreign minister has said that many issues still remain in the nuclear talks, which resume today. Iran
Judiciary warns Iran media over corruption coverage The Iranian judiciary has warned Iranian media outlets about their coverage of ongoing corruption cases, saying that prosecutors have been ordered to pursue media organizations that break the law. Iran
Iran nuclear negotiator says talks may be extended once more Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, one of Iran's nuclear negotiators, has said that if the next round of nuclear talks do not make progress, a final deal by the Nov. 24 deadline will not be possible and another extension may be needed. Iran
Looking behind the Russia-Iran relationship Despite the common perception of Russia as Iran's main backer outside the region, the two big regional players’ relations are shaped by long-term interests that can clash with immediate concerns and may complicate the battle against the Islamic State. Russia
Iranian MP demands Rouhani end house arrests Iranian parliament member Ali Motahhari has warned President Hassan Rouhani that if he doesn't end the house arrests of the 2009 presidential candidates, he wil be called for a parliament hearing. Iran
Iran op-ed asks Soleimani to defend Kobani A conservative Iranian news site has published an op-ed asking Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani to defend the Kurds of Kobani as Iranians in various cities protest to show support. Syria
Former US diplomat fosters US-Iran ties behind the scenes William Luers has spent years pursuing a quiet “track 2” dialogue bringing American and Iranian officials and scholars together, some of whom have close ties to officials in the Rouhani administration. Iran
Israel's war with the US As Israel-US ties continue to deteriorate, Israel is dealing with two other fronts: the Lebanese border where an explosive device just wounded two soldiers, and the mysterious explosion at the Parchin nuclear plant in Iran. Israel
Reformist analyst: Rouhani has no strategy Prominent former Iranian politician Ebrahim Asgharzadeh has said that one of the main issues of President Hassan Rouhani's administration is the lack of a strategy to implement his stated political goals. Iran
Iran minister: WhatsApp, Viber shutdown won't solve problem Iran's Communication Minister Mahmoud Vaezi, in response to the judiciary's request to shut down WhatsApp, Viber and Tango, said it would not solve the issue at hand. Iran