Analysis

Could Kurds be Trump's lever in Iran regime-change scenarios?

As US-Israeli strikes rattle the Islamic Republic's command structure, quiet outreach to Iraqi Kurdish leaders is fueling speculation: Can Iran's most organized minority become the decisive ground factor in a war fought from the air?

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Kurds see opening yet remain wary as Trump seeks help to oust Iran regime

As the US and Israel escalate strikes on Iran, Trump has opened talks with Iraqi Kurdish leaders about their potential involvement in the conflict.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Amid chatter of local uprisings, eyes turn to Iran's minorities: What to know

Ethnic minorities in Iran, historically marginalized and repressed by Iran's central government, are gaining attention as potential political actors amid escalating US and Israeli strikes.

Iran

Israel advances in south Lebanon as army withdraws, Quds leader killed

Israel said it killed Reza Khazaei, chief of staff of Hezbollah’s Lebanese Corps within Iran’s elite Quds Force, in a naval strike.

Lebanon

State Department urges Americans in Middle East to leave immediately

The latest travel advisory applies to nearly the entire region and comes as the US Embassy in Jordan evacuated all personnel due to an unspecified threat.

Iran

Analysis

As Iran weighs Khamenei’s successor, some question future of role

Iran faces uncertainty as the process of choosing Khamenei’s successor unfolds, with some experts saying that wartime conditions and the lack of a clear heir could prompt debate over whether the supreme leader’s office should continue in its traditional form.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

With Gulf partners under fire from Iran, will Europe step up its defense?

France and the United Kingdom are prepared to help defend Gulf countries against Iranian attacks, but experts say they are unlikely to extend the same support to Israel.

Israel

Meet Alireza Arafi, a Khamenei confidant on Iran’s Leadership Council

Long viewed as a potential successor to Khamenei, he has risen through the ranks largely through appointments by the late leader.

Iran

Exclusive

Israel anticipates anti-regime protests in Iran, unlikely to invade Lebanon

Israeli diplomats and military officials are concerned that the surge in oil prices will prompt the US leader to end operations against Iran before regime change is reached.

By Ben Caspit

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

Three US F-15s shot down in Kuwait 'friendly fire' incident

All crew members ejected, but a fourth American soldier died from injuries sustained in a separate incident Iranian attack over the weekend, US officials said.

By Jared Szuba

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

In first, Lebanon government bans Hezbollah’s military activities

Lebanon’s government announced a decision to ban Hezbollah’s military and security activities after the Iranian-backed group launched a series of rockets toward Israel, triggering intense Israeli airstrikes in the country.

Lebanon

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, architect of regional expansion, declared dead

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during US and Israeli strikes after serving for 36 years as the Islamic Republic’s second supreme leader.

Iran