Newsletter: China-Middle East China breathes easier with Iran deescalation but challenges linger Beijing is relieved as signs emerge of deescalation between the United States and Iran, assuaging fears of a confrontation that could have disrupted Gulf stability and China’s energy supplies. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Interview Yadlin: Israel’s regime-change goal in Iran remote without US 'boots on the ground' The former head of Israel's military intelligence directorate told Al-Monitor that Israel must prepare itself for a possible Iranian response if the US follows through on its threat to hit the Islamic Republic. Amos Yadlin Former head of Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate
US evacuates some personnel from Qatar air base amid Trump threat to strike Iran Iran's Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned Tuesday that Tehran will retaliate for any attacks on the country. United States
CENTCOM opens air defense cell at Qatar's Al Udeid base: What to know Bringing together military officers from regional countries to coordinate air and missile defense marks a nascent step in CENTCOM’s decades-long push to diplomatically facilitate air defense cooperation between Gulf states against Iran. United States
Analysis Israel assesses Trump may opt for Iran strike despite protest crackdown By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
How Soleimani’s assassination could affect Iran’s Syria strategy Iran could use its position in Syria to strike against the United States and Israel as part of Tehran's retaliation for last week's killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
Anti-war groups gain new traction with Democratic leaders after Soleimani strike House Democrats are considering a three-pronged offensive to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to wage war with Iran after abandoning the effort last year. Congress
US set to reposition forces in Iraq after strike on Soleimani The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State in Iraq is set to reposition forces throughout the country after the Iraqi parliament urged international troops to leave over the weekend. Iraq
Iran opposition lobbied Giuliani, CEO of United Against Nuclear Iran New lobbying disclosures raise new questions about the ties between the hawkish organization United Against Nuclear Iran to the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq. United States
Erdogan treads carefully on Soleimani killing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was cautious in his first comments on the US killing of Iran’s Qasem Soleimani, criticizing the move but being careful not to align Ankara with Tehran. Turkey
Pentagon pushed back internally on strike against Iranian military leader In the days preceding President Donald Trump's order for the drone strike that took out Qasem Soleimani, Pentagon officials were split over whether to carry out the strike. Iraq
Large turnout in Iran for Soleimani funeral Iran witnessed some of its largest crowds for the funeral of Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US strike Jan. 3. Iraq
Are Iraq's PMU militias planning to put an end to protests? Following the funeral of the top Iranian commander of the Quds Force, Iraqi militias are preparing to clamp down on protesters. Iraq
Iraqi parliament takes nonbinding decision to end US troop presence Following the assassination of Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq’s parliament voted for a resolution demanding the prime minister expel all foreign troops from the country. Iraq
Outgoing Iraqi government's policies cause billions of dollars in economic losses Abdul Mahdi's resigned government causes billions of dollars in losses to the economy. Iraq
US expresses hope troops will stay in Iraq after parliament vote Iraq's parliament votes for a nonbinding resolution to expel US troops as the United States pauses operations against the Islamic State. Iraq
Iraqi armed factions vow revenge for Shiite commanders’ killings Iraqi politicians and leaders of Shiite armed groups now incorporated into government forces have vowed to get revenge for the US drone attack that killed IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani and Kataib Hezbollah militia chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Iraq