Analysis As Iran’s grip on Hormuz weakens, what leverage does Tehran have left? Six months into the war, Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz is weakening. The world is slowly learning to live with it, oil flows are recovering, alternative routes are expanding and Tehran's own economy is bearing the cost of keeping the waterway under pressure. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Despite fanfare, Xi shows Trump no sign of breaking with Iran Beijing has significant leverage over Tehran, but little incentive to use it for Washington’s benefit, given its reliance on Iranian oil. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis In Yemen, China exploits US security gap while seeking to curb Houthis The Houthis’ advances around Bab al-Mandab point to another crack in the US-led Gulf security architecture—one China could gain from diplomatically and economically, even as it seeks to prevent a wider regional escalation. By Joyce Karam
China presses Iran, US to reopen Hormuz as disruptions threaten oil supply Conflicts in the region are disrupting two key routes for oil bound for China, with Iranian crude affected by the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi shipments facing growing risks in the Red Sea. Iran
Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Can China balance ties with Iran and the GCC? China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi must take care not to "underestimate the differences" between Iran and the GCC countries. Iran
With Netanyahu vulnerable, Israel again ignored by Washington on Iran Knowing he is politically vulnerable, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is silent on Washington’s intention to return to the nuclear deal with Tehran. Israel
Turkey, China assert rapprochement despite Uyghur protests, vaccine delay The Chinese foreign minister’s visit to Turkey reflects the desire of both sides to further develop bilateral ties despite hitches stemming primarily from the widespread public support Uyghurs enjoy in Turkey. Turkey
Iran, China sign long-term economic deal The deal between Iran and China is more of a “road map” than a specific deal. Iran
Uyghurs in Turkey protest Chinese FM's visit Hundreds gathered in both Ankara and Istanbul in protest of what they say is a genocidal campaign against the ethnic group by Beijing. Turkey
Will US sanctions bring China and Saudi Arabia closer? Recent US sanctions on Saudi Arabia, coupled with prospects for Washington reentering the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, could push Saudi Arabia to strengthen its ties with China. Originals
Biden's CIA nominee stresses China over Iran during Senate hearing Ambassador William Burns said that China is the biggest challenge for the United States, but that Iran and Russia cannot be overlooked. Regional
Report: Israel turned down US request to inspect Haifa port after deal with China Officials warned the US Navy may not visit the Haifa area if a Chinese state-run company takes up management of the city's port. Israel
As China-Iran talks continue, Beijing keeps up outreach to Gulf While Iran and China are still working to finalize a 25-year strategic partnership plan, Chinese officials continue to expand bilateral ties with the Gulf, something that could have unexpected implications for Iran-GCC ties. United Arab Emirates
Dubai company to work on direct trade route between UAE and Israel DP World is partnering with Israeli companies to establish a trade route between Dubai and Eilat and to bid on the strategic Port of Haifa. Originals
Egyptian schools to add Chinese language China is growing its ties to Egypt with a deal with the government for Egyptian schools to offer the Chinese language. Egypt
Potential China-Iran pact has major implications for Pakistan As speculation abounds over a leaked draft of an economic and security deal between Iran and China, its potential effects on Pakistan stand out as particularly dramatic. Iran
