Iran-US tensions

Pentagon: B-2 strikes set back Iran's nuclear program 1-2 years

Operation Midnight Hammer led to the "total obliteration of Iran's nuclear ambitions," a Pentagon spokesperson said. Iranian officials have told Al-Monitor they intend to continue to enrich uranium domestically.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

Limiting inspectors or bargaining chip: Why Iran suspended IAEA cooperation

Iran’s latest move raises doubts about the oversight of its nuclear program and could mean a shift away from the nonproliferation framework it has long been bound to.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Israel weighs Gaza ceasefire, Abraham Accords expansion as Dermer heads to Washington

Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer's trip comes amid a US push for a broader regional deal linking Gaza, Iran and normalization with Arab states.

Israel

Analysis

With over 700 arrests, Iran regime turns inward to thwart Israeli infiltration

Following its intelligence failures during the 12-day war with Israel, Iran is launching a sweeping internal clampdown with mass arrests and accelerated executions, in what critics have likened to a "wounded snake" lashing out in revenge.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Interview

Former French PM says Trump has ‘immense opportunity’ in Mideast

Dominique de Villepin, who recently announced a new political party, says in an exclusive written interview with Al-Monitor that France has a vital role to play in promoting regional cooperation.

Dominique de Villepin

Former French prime minister

Interview

Iran open to regional consortium, enriched uranium transfer in US nuclear talks

Iran’s UN ambassador says his country would consider transfer of enriched uranium stockpiles and outside investment in energy sector if there is an agreement with the US, but that the country is unwilling to accept restrictions on its missile program or domestic enrichment.

Amir Saeid Iravani

Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN

Pentagon slashes budget request for Iraq counter-ISIS funds: What to know

A more than 40% reduction in funding for Iraqi security forces comes as the Defense Department continues to pivot to bilateral ties with Baghdad's institutions.

Iraq

In first speech after war, Khamenei strikes defiant tone against US, Israel

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Iran would not "surrender" to the US and made a number of claims about the damage inflicted on Israel and the US base in Qatar.

Iran

Pentagon reveals new details about strike on Iran’s Fordow: What to know

Top defense official says "no one" is on the ground at Fordow to assess the damage, as the Trump administration tries to dispel doubts about the effectiveness of the US bombing raid designed to knock out Iran’s main enrichment facility.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

A new era? Why Israel-Iran war didn't spook global markets as expected

Past Middle East wars sent markets tumbling, but today's investors have grown accustomed to such shocks, perhaps setting the stage for future market miscalculations.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Why Netanyahu accepted Trump’s ceasefire deal with Iran

In accepting the US-brokered ceasefire with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likely weighed operational factors and American pressure alongside significant domestic political considerations.

Israel

Analysis

Israel hopes for 3 'years of quiet’ under Trump even as Iran nuclear damage estimates vary

Conflicting US and Israeli assessments are casting doubt on whether Iran's nuclear sites were damaged or largely destroyed.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense