Trump calls off Iran strikes, says deal is close Iran did not immediately respond to his claim that its leadership had approved a deal. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
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
Leaked recording of Iran's foreign minister stirs debate The recording of Iran’s foreign minister has led to speculation as to motivations and meanings. Iran
The Takeaway: Two tracks lead to Tehran: one through Vienna, another through Baghdad Plus: Egypt’s train wrecks; new Nile Dam tensions; Turkey’s trafficking scandal; Iraq’s tribal vote; more! Iran
Iran's Rouhani says nuclear negotiations have progressed 60 to 70% President Hassan Rouhani said the nuclear negotiations with the United States are moving at a positive pace. Iran
Iran opposes interim deal in 'complicated' Vienna talks The Iranian negotiators appeared dogged in their demand for a full removal of US sanctions, rejecting reports that an interim deal is in the making. Iran
Saudi Arabia, Iran held direct talks in bid to ease tensions Talks between the two countries were organized by Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Iraq
Israel, Greece, Cyprus, Emirates hold strategic meeting Top foreign affairs officials of Israel, Greece, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates meet in Cyprus. Israel
Iran reaches 60% uranium enrichment The announcement further violates the Iran nuclear deal that is currently being discussed with the United States in Vienna. News Brief
Taliban, Assad continue to unite Russia, Iran While Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed ways to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal in his visit to Tehran this week, the topics of Syria and Afghanistan also featured prominently on the agenda. Russia
Israel stands alone on Iran It is now clear that Israel has been left on its own as the Americans strive for a diplomatic resolution of the conflict with Iran. Israel
Russia describes latest Iran nuclear talks as 'positive' The talks in Vienna come less than a week after a suspected Israeli attack on an Iranian nuclear facility. Iran
Iran says it's capable of enriching uranium with 90% purity The Iranian president said his country possesses the know-how to enrich uranium at the weapons-grade 90% level, but he declared that Tehran is not in pursuit of nuclear bombs. Iran
Iran not backing down in Middle East, US intel report says The Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign did not stop Tehran's ambitions in the region, ODNI report suggests. Iran