Analysis Deal or war? Israel fears fallout from Trump’s next move on Iran Israel is struggling to decipher the White House’s intentions toward Iran, given Washington's contradictions around launching a fresh military campaign. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Riyadh’s skies remain unsettled after deadly Houthi strikes Saudi authorities confirmed Friday that Thursday’s first attack struck airport facilities and the second hit a Saudia aircraft. Saudi Arabia
Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province witnesses uptick in attacks Iranian authorities accuse foreign-backed armed groups of being behind a string of deadly attacks in the southeast, amid concerns about the resumption of war with the United States. Iran
Iran joins SCO drill as China resists direct intervention in US-Iran war An IRGC official said the exercise will focus on countering extremist activities and containing violent groups. Iran
Bennett styles himself as Israel’s new Mr. Security On the backdrop of the fatal drone attack against the oil tanker off Oman and of growing tensions on Israel’s northern border, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is positioning himself as Israel’s new Mr. Security. Israel
The Takeaway: Does Raisi sink prospects for Iran nuclear deal? Maybe not, but diplomacy just got harder; also, Egypt pushes plans to address climate and water crises; Sudan calls out Ethiopia on recent floods; Russia says it is helping save Syria’s heritage; Turkish cleric takes issue with dress code for Olympic women; remembering Beirut’s port explosion; more! Iran
Pentagon doesn't rule out response for Gulf shipping attack Iran's conflicts with its neighbors once again loom over Biden's ambitions to return to the Iran deal. Iran
Israel considers options after drone attack on ship blamed on Iran The drone attack against an Israeli-managed oil tanker last week revealed Israel’s soft underbelly at sea, and forces its leadership to consider how to retaliate. Israel
Middle East economic outlook hinges on vaccinations Five countries to watch: Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt and Oman. Egypt
Two reported dead in attack on Israeli-operated ship near Oman Iran was suspected in the attack on the UAE-bound Mercer Street, which is connected to an Israeli billionaire businessman. Iran
Blinken: Iran nuclear talks ‘cannot go on indefinitely’ Secretary of State Antony Blinken's comments came as negotiations over the landmark accord remain stalled. Iran
US condemns violence against protesters in Iran The US condemnation comes as rights groups accuse Iranian authorities of a violent crackdown on protests that erupted earlier this month over severe water shortages in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. Iran
Iran's supreme leader says 'cowardly' US cannot be trusted As Iran awaits a new president set to take office Aug. 3, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the West cannot be relied upon in future negotiations. Iran
The Takeaway: Biden-Abdullah White House summit key to Israel-Jordan reset Jordan-Israel ties had hit rock bottom under Netanyahu; Also: Will Zarif pick up Raisi’s road map on the Iran deal?; Israel prepares Raisi file; Egypt, Ethiopia compete for power partnerships; Saudi-Ethiopian ties strained by Nile dam dispute; Russia’s vaccine diplomacy stumbles; the latest Pharaonic parade. Israel
Iran spokesman says powerful body rejects nuclear deal with US The statement by the spokesman for the moderate government confirmed a push by hard-liners in Tehran to make it impossible for a deal between the outgoing Rouhani government and the US administration to get final approval. Iran
Will Raisi follow Zarif’s path for reviving Iran nuclear deal? Outgoing Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s final report on the Iran nuclear talks is self-serving in parts, but nonetheless charts a path to closing the JCPOA talks. Iran