Oil fires, toxic air and water risks: Environmental cost of Iran war expands to region

The bombing of oil facilities in Iran and critical water infrastructure in the Gulf threatens the Middle East with long-lasting environmental destruction, as have similar tactics employed in previous conflicts.

Iran

Analysis

How Iran's IRGC is charting war course beyond Khamenei's heir

While Iran projects continuity under Mojtaba Khamenei, the IRGC is orchestrating the country's wartime posture, consolidating authority and preparing for a protracted conflict.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Hamas sits out Iran war as Gaza, Gulf interests take priority

Hamas has so far stayed out of the escalating Iran war, despite its longstanding alliance with Tehran, reflecting a cautious strategic calculation.

By Abeer Ayyoub

In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine

Analysis

Alternative supply routes emerge as Iran war tests Gulf food security

Roughly 61 million people in the Gulf rely on established food supply chains, many of which have been upended since the United States and Israel launched their attack against Iran on Feb. 28.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Iran war hits fertilizer supplies as Fitch warns prices could rise some 25% 

Higher prices and availability, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, are raising food security concerns globally as well as in the Middle East.

Iran

Analysis

Hormuz dilemma denies Trump administration easy exit from Iran war

Iran’s forces are practiced in sabotage, threatening the shipping channel as the US military tries to thwart Tehran’s efforts to disrupt the global economy.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Pentagon: Iran's missiles, not mines, pose main threat to Hormuz shipping

The top US defense official said US strikes this week destroyed Iran’s ability to manufacture new ballistic missiles.

Iran

Analysis

Israel, Gulf fear Trump may lose interest in war as Iran weighs nuclear breakout

If the current war ends with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps emboldened, many worry that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, will increase efforts to pursue a nuclear weapon to deter future attacks, similar to North Korea.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Feature

Iranians crossing into Turkey haunted by regime crackdown more than war

Many Iranians crossing into Turkey suggest the regime’s deadly crackdown on recent protests, not the bombardment, is the trauma they cannot shake.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ukraine sends teams to help Gulf counter Iranian drones: What to know

Ukraine has significant experience downing Iran’s Shahed drones, leading Gulf states to express interest in Ukrainian expertise and hardware.

Iran

Analysis

As Trump shrugs off possible Iran attacks at home, experts see increased risk

The war has fueled concerns that Iran’s operatives, or those acting in its name, could target the United States.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Interview

Yadlin: Israel's war goal to weaken Iran, not immediate regime change

Israeli leaders are aware that Washington will decide when the war ends whether or not Israel has achieved its war aims, Yadlin told Al-Monitor.