US issues more Iran sanctions as Trump says strikes will resume The sanctions are the latest to target Iran's weapons procurement networks. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Suez Canal traffic soars as Hormuz disruptions reroute energy trade The canal generated $419 million in revenue in April, up 27% year over year. Egypt
US sanctions network smuggling Iranian LPG as talks falter The sanctions come as President Donald Trump has offered mixed signals on prospects for a deal. United States
As Iran seeks leverage, can US enforce Lebanon-Israel ceasefire? The US-brokered ceasefire plan is already showing cracks. Lebanon
Israel expresses interest in NATO-like Mideast alliance The memorandum of understanding Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed yesterday with Bahrain, constitutes another step in Israel’s efforts to establish an anti-Iran regional alliance. Israel
The Takeaway: Yemen’s future may be affected by Iran talks Iran and Israel; Iran and China; Iran and Turkey; Hamas alternative to "Fauda"; and more … all in less than 1,400 words. Legacy: Gulf
Iran says conditions present for 'win-win' agreement with US Though direct talks with the United States remain a non-starter, Tehran's top nuclear negotiator has shared some hope with Iranian lawmakers. Iran
Iranian supreme leader’s aide suggests pursuing 90% enrichment In a letter to Iran’s supreme leader, the hard-line former chief negotiator reportedly proposed ramping up enrichment to 90%. Iran
Israeli PM pledges Iran will no longer be untouchable Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says even if there is a nuclear agreement with Iran, "it will not bind us." Israel
Iran on the agenda as Qatar emir meets Biden There is potential Doha could play a role in brokering a US-Iran prisoner exchanging following press reports of Iran-Qatar talks on the topic. Qatar
Khamenei says max pressure led to US 'humiliation' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that despite hardships brought about by Washington's maximum pressure strategy, Iran’s economy is enduring. Iran
Former IDF chief says Israel came close to killing Soleimani before US Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot revealed that Israel almost killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani a year and a half before he was assassinated by the Americans. Israel
Top Iran security official retracts comments on talks with US The powerful politician had faced piling pressure from hard-liners over suggesting that Iran could at some point directly engage with the United States if a “good deal” was within reach. Iran
Iranian press calls direct talks with US a 'trap' The merits of talking with the United States are being debated in Iranian media after recent comments by the foreign minister. Iran
Israel prepares to receive Jews fleeing Ukraine As tensions between Washington and Moscow keep rising, Israel prepares contingency plans for Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. Israel
Qatar’s emir heads to Washington next week, report Discussions are likely to include Iran negotiations, Afghanistan and a US effort to provide alternative energy supplies to Europe in the event Russia invades Ukraine. Washington Connection
