AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Majid Saeedi/Getty Images

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.

Автор: Ben Caspit

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

ALM Live

Qatar downs two Iranian jets as Trump expects prolonged war

All updates are in your local time zone

Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a member of Iran’s interim leadership council.

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.

US President Donald Trump arrives for a Medal of Honor Ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 2, 2026, in Washington.

Trump pledges 'whatever it takes,' signals Iran war could last weeks

President Donald Trump said the US military projected the war would last four to five weeks, though it has the capacity "to go far longer."

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

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.

Latest News

In first, Lebanon government bans Hezbollah’s military activities

Lebanon PM

What US-Iran war means for oil prices, shipping and global markets

A cargo ship is pictured off the coast of Fujairah in the Strait of Hormuz, in the northern emirate, Feb. 25, 2026.

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

In this photo released by the official website of the Supreme Leader's Office on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appears among his supporters for the first time since the Iran-Israel war, in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images)

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

F-15s

Jared Szuba

Автор: Jared Szuba

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

Subscribe to the Daily Briefing for only $1.67 per month.

The most authoritative roundup for Middle East news everyday in your inbox.

What you get

Daily email with comprehensive regional news coverage
Summary of all key insights from our in-country journalists.

An empty arrivals area at the Dubai International Airport, following the United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 2, 2026. Picture taken using a mobile phone. REUTERS/Raghed Waked

From handwashed underwear to fake Adidas, stranded travellers wait out travel chaos

Reuters

A tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for oil

Middle East war puts shipping firms in tight insurance spot

Agence France-Presse

Israel closed all of the crossings into Gaza on Saturday as a security measure after launching a joint attack on Iran with the United States

UN chief calls for Israel to re-open Gaza crossings: spokesman

Agence France-Presse

Buses are parked at the Emirates headquarters near the Dubai International Airport, following the United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Raghed Waked

Analysis-Middle East conflict puts Dubai mega-hub's market muscle to the test

Reuters

Featured Newsletters

Editor's choice

Three stories hand-picked by our editorial team.

Stay informed with our daily and weekly newsletters

Read By

See all newsletters

Adam, Elizabeth, Jared podcast

The Al-Monitor Brief

Where do US-Iran talks stand as Trump says he’s ‘not happy’? View from Washington

Elizabeth Hagedorn and Jared Szuba joins Adam Lucente

14:14

Adam Lucente and Beatrice Farhat

The Al-Monitor Brief

Are Israel and Hezbollah heading toward a new war in Lebanon?

Beatrice Farhat joins Adam Lucente

14:25

Amberin Hamidreza

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Most Iranians would reject US deal, fearing it enables regime survival, says Hamidreza Azizi

Hamidreza Azizi joins Amberin Zaman

29:08

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Пока Эрдоган дружит с Путиным, Турция и Украина подписывают крупное соглашение о свободной торговле

Barin Kayaoglu

Автор: Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

Joyce Karam, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Holly Dagres, and Ali Hashem

Are the US and Iran closer to war or a deal?

Play Video

0:59

Saudi Arabia's former and new investment ministers side by side

Saudi Arabia names new investment minister as Vision 2030 funding lags

Play Video

1:11

Iraqi Christian man in dark blue sweater sitting in an office

After years abroad, Iraq’s Christians weigh returning home

Play Video

3:39

Elizabeth Hagdeorn asking Rubio a question about negotiations with the Iranian government after its killing of protesters

Rubio tells Al-Monitor talks with Iran must address ballistic missiles, proxies

Play Video

2:22