Analysis Moving Iran talks from Turkey to Oman deepens Ankara’s PKK concerns Ankara is brushing off Tehran’s venue switch to Oman, but fears Iran’s nuclear-only stance is shrinking diplomatic space and heightening the risk of US military escalation. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis From 'help is on the way' to nuclear talks, Iranians wary of Trump's shift After Trump repeatedly pledged to hold Tehran accountable for its protest crackdown, many Iranians are still waiting for him to make good on his promises. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iran formally allows women to drive motorcycles: What to know The new resolution comes amid widespread unrest in Iran, where massive nationwide protests triggered by economic hardship and a severe government crackdown have shaken cities across the country. Iran
Witkoff meets Netanyahu as Israel warns against potential Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s security chiefs briefed US envoy Steve Witkoff on the country’s concerns ahead of Friday’s US-Iran talks. Israel
Analysis Will EU’s terror listing of besieged Iran's IRGC backfire? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Can US-Iran prisoner deal build trust for broader talks? Experts say the release of five Americans held in Iran could lay the groundwork for a resumption of nuclear talks between the longtime adversaries. Iran
Iraqi militias continue to use Telegram despite block Iraq’s state media channel switched to the Israeli-founded Viber in response to the ban. Telegram is popular with protesters and militias alike in Iraq. Iraq
11 Baluchi men executed in Iran as morality police returns to streets The executions are seen as a way to intimidate the public, while the morality police resumed its work to enforce Iran’s strict Islamic dress code. Iran
Iran leads world in internet restrictions for 2023, followed by India, Pakistan There has been a surge in internet restrictions in the Islamic Republic in the first half of this tumultuous year. Iran
Rights groups appeal to UN to stop execution of Iranian boxer Vafaei-Sani Iran sentenced to death local boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei-Sani on vague charges after he was arrested following his participation in the 2019 anti-regime protests. Iran
Iran's Raisi blames 'enemies' for hijab violations, urges action against women defying The Iranian president's order for action came in response to fast-growing defiance from a new generation of women challenging the strict dress code, which has been a fundamental pillar of the ruling theocracy. Iran
Iran: 3 women journalists go on trial as rulers continue with crackdown Repression of journalists has worsened since widespread protests began in Iran last year, and the government is also restricting use of VPNs. Iran
Iran police chief makes rare visit to Russia for surveillance deals The police commander's trip came against the backdrop of Iran's months-long unrest and reports that Tehran has been seeking Moscow's advice and surveillance equipment to crack down on dissent. Iran
Interview Oman FM says US, Iran 'close' on prisoner deal Oman's foreign minister told Al-Monitor that the two sides are ironing out the details on a deal to release the prisoners. Sayyid Badr Albusaidi Foreign Minister of Oman
IAEA chief rebuffs Israeli criticism, says Iran meets 'fraction' of commitments IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted that Iran made positive steps in enabling the inspection of its nuclear sites but is still a long way from fulfilling the March 4 agreement commitments. Iran
US sanctions Iranian firm over internet censorship The Treasury Department says that the technology company Arvan Cloud has a close and collaborative relationship with Iran's intelligence services. Iran
Iran, Belgium complete prisoner swap mediated by Oman Belgian national Olivier Vandecasteele was released from prison in Iran in an Oman-mediated exchange deal. Iran
