Iran threatens energy shock, ups Gulf strikes ahead of Trump deadline: What to know Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war in response to US threats to target key Iranian civilian infrastructure. Iran
Israel, seeking wider war, hits Iranian railways, bridges as Trump deadline nears Since the Trump administration announced its deadline, Israel has prepared for a potential US escalation, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure or ground operations. Israel
US journalist Shelly Kittleson released by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq Two officials confirmed to Al-Monitor that Kittleson had been released. Iraq
China, Russia veto scaled-back Hormuz resolution at UN Security Council The vote came hours before the US deadline for Iran to reopen the global chokepoint. Bahrain
Analysis How the Iran war is giving Turkey's Erdogan a big boost Opinion polls show Turks turning to Erdogan as a steady hand during the war, even as the country's finances remain fragile. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Who is Handala, the hacktivist group US ties to Iranian intelligence? Handala Hack Team portrays itself as a pro-Palestinian group but is widely believed to be linked to Iranian intelligence. Iran
Jet fuel squeeze exposes Europe’s reliance on Middle East supply Lawmakers on the continent have been told to make "timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially prolonged disruption" in energy flows from the region. Iran
Iran names US tech, finance firms in new Middle East threat list Firms listed as potential targets included Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, IBM, Palantir and Nvidia, while banking giant JPMorgan and UAE-based AI firm G42 were also listed. Iran
China, Pakistan announce 5-point plan to end Iran war: What to know The call came during Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing, which comes as part of Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach to mediate an end to the US-Israel-Iran war. Iran
Analysis Israel urges US escalation against Iran, possible ground invasion Israel has made clear it will not deploy ground forces to Iran, but would strongly support US military action if the Trump administration chooses to proceed. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hegseth slams allies for reluctance to join Iran war, says coming days 'decisive' The comments come as Washington questions NATO support after allies restrict aircraft access in the US-Israeli war with Iran. United States
Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar to deepen security ties amid Iran war: What to know Gulf states and Jordan are aligning more closely as Iranian attacks persist. Saudi Arabia
Egypt closes stores early, Jordan bans AC as Iran war takes toll Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan announced Monday that the use of air conditioning and heating equipment in ministries, government departments and public institutions will now be prohibited. Egypt
Israel pushes deeper into Lebanon as Iran envoy refuses to go: What to know Israeli forces have reportedly reached the banks of the Litani River as part of a plan to set up a buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon
TotalEnergies reaped more than $1B profit from Iran war: What to know Non-Middle Eastern energy firms have been particularly benefiting as energy flows have been choked off from the Gulf. Iran
Turkey says NATO defenses intercepted fourth missile from Iran Turkey said NATO air defenses neutralized a ballistic munition launched from Iran that entered its airspace, marking the fourth such interception since March. Turkey
