Iran's Ghalibaf holds talks in Oman on Strait of Hormuz: What to know The US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed last week calls for Iran and Oman to hold talks on the future administration of the strait. Iran
Newsletter: FutureVerse Aramco venture arm bets Saudi startup future on deep tech Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase of venture-backed growth targeting fields such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, blockchain, quantum computing, robotics and renewable energy. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says nuclear negotiations have not started yet Iran disputes US optimism over nuclear talks as Washington eases oil sanctions and regional tensions remain fragile. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Explainer Qatar blast underscores challenges in race to restart Gulf energy flows The deadly explosion marks an early test of Gulf efforts to revive oil and gas production following a historic energy supply shock caused by the US-Israel-Iran war. Qatar
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Vance says Switzerland talks laid 'good foundation' for final deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Israel fears it has lost world attention on Iran Israeli defense officials estimate that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are behind the weapons vessel captured last week. Palestine
Still banned from Turkey For the second time since 2007, Turkey denied an Al-Monitor contributor entry because of his work as a journalist on Kurdish issues. Iraq
Hamas debates technocrat government in Gaza The loss of financial support from Iran has reportedly contributed to Gaza's current crisis, according to Hamas sources. Palestine
Iranian weapons shipment no 'tiebreaker' The rollout of Israel's seizure of a ship carrying Iranian arms may have disappointed Israeli leaders looking for a public relations windfall. Palestine
Iranian activists say celebrating Women's Day is 'not enough' Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has appointed women to his cabinet, but his administration must do a lot more to address discrimination against women in Iran. Iran
GCC rift another blow to Erdogan’s Mideast policies Turkey is increasingly isolated in the region, more so as Qatar is on the outs with other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia
Israel's 'campaign between the wars' with Iran The latest capture of a vessel carrying weapons en route to the Gaza Strip reveals Israel's ongoing battle against Iranian attempts to gain a military foothold in the region — while nuclear negotiations follow their course. Palestine
US-Russia Mideast cooperation in balance over Ukraine? In the absence of a diplomatic settlement between the West and Russia over Ukraine, Moscow may seek to capitalize on recent gains in the Middle East at US expense. Near East
Russia has Mideast options in response to Ukraine As the United States weighs its options in response to Russia’s moves in Crimea, Russia holds its own cards, especially with Syria and Iran. Syria
Iran-India energy ties may take off If the P5+1 and Iran agree on a nuclear accord, India’s energy sector stands to benefit. Iran
Gulenists use hate speech against Shiites, Iranians Turkey’s Gulenists, hostile to Iran and to Shiites, incite Sunnis to enmity and hatred against Shiites. Turkey
Iran’s four-part plan for a political solution in Syria The best approach to a political solution in Syria lies in addressing both the threat of international terrorism and the urgent humanitarian crisis, as well as a national and international process leading to a direct vote by the Syrian people, according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein-Amir Abdollahian. Syria
