United States - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

White House, Washington DC, United States of America

United States

September 29, 2026

Washington D.C. 8:17 pm

21°C

An Airbus A321 airliner arrives at the Mehrabad international airport during the delivery of the first batch of planes to the Iranian state airline Iran Air in the capital Tehran on Jan. 12, 2017.

Iraq announces Iran flights to resume: What to know

Iraqis protested the latest move aimed at pressuring Iran and an Iran-backed militia vowed a response if the flights do not come back.

In this handout released by the US Navy on July 15, 2010, the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) transits the Pacific Ocean.

New US aircraft carrier heads to Middle East as Iran war stretches on

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is expected to be the fifth US Navy carrier to participate in the now seven-month war against Iran.

SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images

Lebanon PM meets Rubio as Israel talks stall: What to know

The visit comes as US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel have made little headway, with Israeli elections looming.

Traditional Qatari dhows docked in front of Doha's skyline from the Corniche promenade, Nov. 28, 2022.

Analysis

Qatar confronts new economic reality with Wall Street deals, Hormuz hopes

As the Iran war approaches its seventh month, Doha presses for new deals in confronting challenges to the economic foundations underpinning the Gulf state's wealth.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Latest News

Analysis

Despite fanfare, Xi shows Trump no sign of breaking with Iran

OINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) walks on a red carpet after greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) during an arrival ceremony on September 23, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. President Trump is hosting President Xi for a three-day state visit to Washington, DC where the leaders are expected to discuss trade practices, artificial intelligence and furthering “strategic stability” between their countries. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

Could Iran's 7-day Hormuz proposal culminate in diplomatic deal?

A tugboat guides a ship at the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in Sharjah Emirate, along the Gulf of Oman on July 14, 2026.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Interview

Trump's Africa adviser denies Libya plan would entrench rival families

US Department of State's senior advisor to the President for Arab and African Affairs Massad Fares Boulos attends a conference for the support of peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region, in Paris, on October 30, 2025. The international community gathered in Paris on October 30, 2025 to raise awareness about the dire humanitarian situation in the Great Lakes region, aiming to raise hundreds of millions of euros despite a drastic decrease in international aid, particularly from the United States. (Phot

Analysis

Can Netanyahu turn Israel's UN isolation into strength at home?

ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images

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

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

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

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

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

Joyce Karam

Editor-in-Chief

Rosaleen Carroll

News Reporter and Supporting Editor

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Paul J. Saunders

In Washington, DC, reporting on Russia in the Middle East

Did Zarif really say it was a 'mistake' to trust Kerry?

Once again, Iranian hard-liners move to tarnish the reputation of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif — this time by attributing to him false remarks about the “mistake” of trusting the United States.

Questions arise about large Palestinian security budget

The budget of the Palestinian security forces is being questioned, and attempts are being made by the United States to cut it back.

Israelis wary, Palestinians despairing over Tillerson appointment

Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson’s ties with Arab countries worry Israeli officials, while Palestinians despair that the Trump administration is an extension of the current right-wing Israeli government.

Obama administration, allies try to buy time for Iran nuclear deal

In its final weeks, the Obama administration and its European allies are trying to convince the emerging Trump team that the deal is working.

Why moving US Embassy to Jerusalem is no way to start a presidency

President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to relocate the US Embassy would place another straw on the proverbial camel's back in the Mideast.

Jordan faces tough path ahead as next Arab summit host

Jordan will face a number of diplomatic challenges in March at the Arab League summit meeting in Amman.

Can shared disdain for US improve Russia-Iran ties?

Although Iran and Russia are both fountains of anti-Western rhetoric and sentiments, it is for different reasons and will not necessarily bring the two countries closer together.

Is Turkey recruiting militants evacuated from Aleppo?

After the Aleppo rout, Turkey considers boosting the ranks of its Free Syrian Army ally fighting in Operation Euphrates Shield, while fortifying the buffer zone and raising the bar in bargaining with Damascus.

Why Israeli settlers consider Trump’s ambassador choice a 'miracle'

For Israeli settlers, US President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of David Friedman as the next US ambassador to Israel is nothing short of a miracle.

Baghdad looks to Trump with framework agreement

Following the victory by US President-elect Donald Trump, Iraq seeks to strengthen cooperation with the United States through the full implementation of the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement.

Three reasons Iran should worry over Russia’s Syria plans

Despite successful cooperation with Moscow to help retake Aleppo, Tehran is likely to remain suspicious of Russian intentions and maneuvering in Syria.

Wary Saudis silent as Trump's Israel position takes shape

US President-elect Donald Trump's choice for ambassador to Israel is a sign that he still intends to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, a major shakeup in American policy if the plan is followed through.