US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island as Trump threatens 'whole civilization' Iranian outlets reported several explosions on the island, which is crucial to the country’s oil industry, just hours ahead of a US deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Four Israeli soldiers arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran: What to know Since the Oct. 7 attacks, several Israelis have been prosecuted for spying for Iran, but this is the first case involving active-duty soldiers. Israel
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
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Despite limitations, Iranian Kurds support Iraqi Kurds Iranian Kurds have been moved by images of Iraqi Kurds fleeing the Islamic State and have attempted to contribute and help. Iraq
Reformist cleric skips Assembly of Experts session The 16th session of Iran's Assembly of Experts, which supervises and chooses the supreme leader, has convened without its speaker due to illness and one member who abstained in protest over Basiji persecution. Iran
Fighting on Golan border puts Israel on the spot Israel has intercepted a drone over the Golan Heights, but turned a blind eye to a Syrian warplane near its border, highlighting the complex reality of the war in Syria and the difficulty in calculating what is in Israel's best interest. Israel
Hariri’s visit sign of Iranian-Saudi rapprochement Saad Hariri's return to Lebanon coincided with a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and appears to be part of Riyadh's plan to invest in fighting terrorism and promoting moderate Islam. Saudi Arabia
After minister's impeachment, critics of Rouhani grow louder Iranian Science Minister Reza Faraji-Dana has been impeached for alleged ties to the 2009 election protests. Iran
Iran cleric explains he's not opposed to 'filtered' 3G phones Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi has clarified his position on mobile Internet access after his ruling that 3g phones were un-Islamic made international news. Iran
Iran helps Iraq's Kurds but Baghdad still priority Iran has provided the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq with arms to fight the Islamic State but is wary of alienating Baghdad. Iraq
Iranian official: employing women 'not a priority' The Iranian government would rather not address the issue of women’s unemployment, instead preferring more women to stay in the home. Iran
Iran website denies Qasem Soleimani sidelined A conservative Iranian website has denied reports by Arab media that Quds Force Cmdr. Gen. Qasem Soleimani has been replaced. Iraq
Iran counts $22 billion in forex abuses under Ahmadinejad An Iranian official has claimed that companies made millions taking advantage of Iran's subsidized exchange rate in the final years of the Ahmadinejad administration. Iran
New Iran-Contra book shows how US-Iran ties were scuttled Malcolm Byrne, deputy director of the National Security Archive, presents new details about how US officials convinced themselves they were aiding “moderates” who planned to overthrow the Iranian government but who could also engineer the release of US hostages in Lebanon. Congress
Iran interior minister says advisers sent to Iraqi Kurdistan Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli has admitted that Iran sent advisers to Iraqi Kurdistan at the request of Kurdish officials. Iraq
