Satellite images could indicate return to activity at Iranian compound: Report The images show renewed vehicle and earth-moving activity at an Iranian compound that Israel struck in March. Iran
Analysis Iran’s execution drive intensifies as war provides cover for repression Iran has recently executed more protesters, raising fresh questions about how it is using wartime narratives and global inattention to reshape its approach toward dissent and instill societal fear. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Flights continue in Saudi Arabia despite Houthi attacks, airspace threats Overnight attacks on King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport damaged facilities and wounded three people. Saudi Arabia
Hormuz tanker attacks mount, putting oil flows at risk Roughly a dozen reported attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz suggests Iran is once again dialing up the pressure as US economic sanctions plunge the rial to new lows. Iran
Mideast oil exports surpass prewar levels despite pipeline, ship attacks By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US pulls B-1 bombers from UK air base amid security fears: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Why Trump-Xi summit did not move the China needle away from Iran By Yun Sun In Washington, DC, reporting on China-Middle East ties
Yemen’s Houthis fire missile at US warship as Biden seeks China's aid The Houthis targeted a US Navy destroyer with an anti-ship ballistic missile as Biden's top adviser was due to meet China's top diplomat in Thailand on Friday to discuss reining in the Yemeni faction's attacks. Yemen
How significant is Niger's PM visit to Iran post-coup and amid Africa push? Iran wants better economic and political relations with sub-Saharan African states, including the sanctioned military junta in Niger. Iran
US, Iraq to begin talks over potential end to coalition presence There have been no decisions to withdraw US troops from either Iraq or Syria, US officials say, but the Biden administration is open to weighing future options. Iraq
While hosting Iran’s Raisi, Turkey’s Erdogan avoids harsh criticism of Israel Erdogan's measured tone on Israel comes in midst of US-Turkey rapprochement following Ankara's ratification of Sweden's entry into NATO this week. Turkey
Iraq slams latest US airstrikes on Kataib Hezbollah sites Latest strikes put new pressure on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani over the US troop presence in Iraq. Iraq
Interview Iran sent US back-channel messages on risk of wider regional war, FM says In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tehran is not seeking a wider regional conflict, even as his country's network of militias across the Middle East are stepping up attacks on US bases and ships. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Foreign Minister of Iran
Two US Navy SEALs presumed dead after anti-Houthi raid: Pentagon The two special operators are presumed dead after attempting to board a stateless boat off Somalia earlier this month. Legacy: Gulf
Soldier arrested in Iran after inside attack killing 5 troops in Kerman The latest incident involves the killing of five soldiers by a fellow conscript in Kerman, which was the scene of a deadly bombing claimed by ISIS earlier this month. Iran
India secures trade, power with new naval role in Middle East Without aligning directly with the US-led mission against the Houthis in Yemen, the Indian navy's independent operations set a precedent for India's evolving military posture in West Asia and mark a departure from its traditional strategic restraint. By Mohammed Soliman In Washington, DC, reporting on Gulf politics
Davos 2024: IAEA chief says monitoring of Iran nuclear sites 'not at a good place' Asked by Al-Monitor if Iran was close to enriching weapons-grade uranium, Grossi responded, “They are already there.” Iran
Fourth round of US strikes in Yemen as Houthis vow retaliation The US launched the strikes just hours after the Houthis hit a US-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel off Yemen's southern coast on Wednesday. Legacy: Gulf
Iran-Pakistan tensions simmer after strikes, IRGC officer killed in southeast Iran is seeking to contain the damage to its relationship with Pakistan following a deadly Iranian military strike in Pakistani territory targeting a dissident group. Iran
