Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed by the Trump administration. Iraq
Who is Ahmad Vahidi, IRGC chief and hard-liner against nuclear compromise? A longtime Revolutionary Guard insider with strong ties to Iran’s security apparatus and proxy network, Ahmad Vahidi has taken over the IRGC at a moment of crisis, with some reports suggesting he is playing an outsized role in the country’s decision-making. Iran
Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire The IRGC Navy’s seizure of two cargo vessels follows US Navy interdictions of two Iran-linked crude oil tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean earlier this week. Iran
Iran executes 14th person since war over alleged Mossad ties: What to know Iran has carried out multiple executions since the outbreak of the war with the United States and Israel, as it intensifies a crackdown on individuals accused of spying for Israel. Iran
Analysis As Iran's power struggle deepens, US talks stall, who’s calling the shots in Tehran? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US Navy fires 30 warning shots to ward off Iran’s speed boats IRGC fast boats harassed US Navy ships once again amid nuclear talks in Vienna. Iran
Top Democrats urge Biden to lift sanctions on Tehran in good faith Prominent Democratic National Committee members urged President Joe Biden to relieve sanctions on Iran as the window closes for a return to the nuclear deal. Iran
House Republicans call for review of John Kerry's security clearance Republicans on the House Oversight Committee responded to a report that Kerry provided Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif information on Israel's operations in Syria, but Kerry has denied this ever happened. United States
Iran downplays state media report on US prisoner swap The US government has also denied that it reached a deal to swap prisoners with Iran. Iran
Blinken meets Israel’s Mossad chief to talk Iran The meeting follows talks earlier this week involving Israeli officials and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Israel
Iraqi, Syrian oil ministers discuss gas imports The Iraqi and Syrian oil ministers talked about the possibility of transporting Egyptian gas to Iraq through Syria during a meeting in Baghdad. News Brief
Intel: US, Israel to cooperate against Iran’s missiles and drones Biden White House avoids row with Israel over nuclear negotiations with Iran, offers to help counter Tehran's ballistic and cruise missiles. Washington Pulse
US Navy fires warning shots in encounter with Iranian patrol boats A US Navy patrol ship fired warning shots to ward off Iranian boats in the Persian Gulf on Monday, marking the second run-in between the two countries’ naval forces this month. Iran
Kerry denies he spoke with Iranian foreign minister about Israeli airstrikes in Syria Some Republicans are calling for an inquiry into whether former US Secretary of State and current presidential climate envoy John Kerry shared potentially sensitive information with Iran, but Kerry denies such a conversation ever took place. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Zarif faces fury from Iranian hard-liners after leaked tape Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for an investigation into the leak of a tape meant for posterity. Iran
Iran welcomes Iraqi mediation with Gulf states No clear results yet, said Tehran's ambassador in Baghdad after reports of Saudi-Iran dialogue. Iraq
Saudi Arabia, Iran held direct talks in bid to ease tensions Talks between the two countries were organized by Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Iraq
