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Small boats loaded with merchandise sail past the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in the northern Musandam Peninsula, Oman, June 25, 2025.

Iran’s IRGC begins naval drills in Strait of Hormuz on eve of US-Iran talks

The drills come as a second US carrier is heading to the region amid US President Trump’s threats to use military force if Tehran does not agree to restrictions on its nuclear program during indirect negotiations mediated by Oman.

Iran

Dana Eden had arrived in Athens on February 4 for the shooting of the fourth season of the series

'Tehran' TV series producer Dana Eden found dead in Athens

Agence France-Presse

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan looks on as Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (not pictured) addresses the media during a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex, Ankara, Turkey, Feb. 11, 2026.

Turkey’s Erdogan heads to Ethiopia amid tensions over Horn of Africa

The Turkish leader is expected to raise Ankara’s concerns over Somalia’s territorial integrity while discussing ways to deepen bilateral ties with Addis Ababa.

Turkey

This photograph taken on Jan. 20, 2026, organized by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, shows Saudi-backed Yemeni forces in the city of Mukalla in Yemen's coastal southern Hadhramaut province.

Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization

Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies.

Israel

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki delivers a speech during a campaign rally for the State of Law Coalition ahead of the country's parliamentary elections in Baghdad on Nov. 7, 2025.

Analysis

Can Maliki overcome Trump opposition to reclaim Iraq’s PM post?

US President Donald Trump’s opposition to the former prime minister and reports of potential retribution toward Iraq are receiving pushback in the country, which is already suffering from political paralysis.

By Adam Lucente

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

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Interview

AI, cybersecurity high on Mideast priorities amid global tech rivalry: Tech Mahindra

A man and woman walk along a promenade overlooking the Burj al-Arab and Dubai skyline on January 4, 2025. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Inside Iran's negotiating team: Araghchi, Takht-Ravanchi pursue tactical engagement

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) and Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi on a flight to Muscat, Oman, to participate in talks with the US over Tehran's nuclear program, Feb. 5, 2026.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Turkey courts Saudi Arabia on Kaan, but stealth fighter deal faces hurdles

Photo of a waving Turkish flag in the sky with a jet flyover behind, and a crowd below holding flags, captured on Izmir's liberation anniversary.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Libya’s oil revival powers on despite shaky investment thesis

Masoud Suleman, acting chairman of Libya's National Oil Corporation, and other corporate representatives pose for a photo during a conference announcing the first new grants of oil exploration and production licenses in 17 years, in Libya's capital, Tripoli, on Feb. 11, 2026.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

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Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani speaks to the media after visiting Gemelli hospital with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin (not pictured), in Rome, Italy, September 1, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Italy says it stands ready to train police in Gaza

Reuters

European Commissioner for Mediterranean Dubravka Suica speaks during a press conference on the Pact for the Mediterranean in Brussels, Belgium October 16, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman

EU Commission to attend Trump's Board of Peace meeting as observer

Reuters

Thirty four Australians released from Syrian camp holding IS-affiliated families

Reuters

Jack Lang leaves after the funeral service for the late Tunisian-born Italian cinema star Claudia Cardinale at the Church of Saint-Roch in Paris, France, September 30, 2025. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

French police raid Arab World Institute in Epstein-linked probe into Jack Lang

Reuters

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What’s next for Israel, US-Iran talks after Trump-Netanyahu meeting?

Adam Lucente interviews Ben Caspit

20:47

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Iran’s clerical regime can reform itself — provided Khamenei goes, says Iranian historian Arash Azizi

Amberin Zaman interviews Arash Azizi

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Adam Lucente interviews Jack Dutton

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Treated as 'enemies’: Ahmad Tibi accuses Netanyahu government of indifference to Arab Israeli lives

Ahmad Tibi

Knesset member and Ta'al Party leader

Interview

YPG spokesman: Syrian forces' strategy is to isolate Kurdish towns and cities

Siyamend Ali

YPG spokesman

Interview

Qualcomm sees growing demand for edge AI in the Middle East

Wassim Chourbaji

Qualcomm president for the Middle East & Africa

Interview

AI, cybersecurity high on Mideast priorities amid global tech rivalry: Tech Mahindra

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Palestinians, Arab states sound alarm as Israel eases West Bank land rules

The Israeli built controversial separation barrier is seen passing through fields near the Palestinian village of Beit Aawa, west the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Hebron on Feb. 5, 2026.

By Daoud Kuttab

In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics

Analysis

Libya’s oil revival powers on despite shaky investment thesis

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Turkey courts Saudi Arabia on Kaan, but stealth fighter deal faces hurdles

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Can Maliki overcome Trump opposition to reclaim Iraq’s PM post?

By Adam Lucente

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

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

Saudi Arabia names new investment minister as Vision 2030 funding lags

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Iraqi Christian man in dark blue sweater sitting in an office

After years abroad, Iraq’s Christians weigh returning home

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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

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Al-Monitor's Amberin Zaman inside an abandoned Russian military base in Qamishli, Syria

Inside Russia's abandoned military base in Northeast Syria

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AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts food security forum with Dr. Conrad Rein

On October 16, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, alongside representatives from multilateral development banks and the private sector for a discussion on food security in the Middle East and Africa.

Washington, DC

October 16, 2025 11:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya

On Sept. 21, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, for a discussion on digital inclusion and economic empowerment in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

New York, NY

September 21, 2025 17:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at AL-Monitor Global Institute

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright

On May 22, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington DC to discuss the future of power and energy in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Washington, DC

May 22, 2025 10:30 EDT

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