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
Iran not backing down in Middle East, US intel report says The Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign did not stop Tehran's ambitions in the region, ODNI report suggests. Iran
US denies involvement in attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear site Iran has blamed Israel for the attack on its Natanz nuclear site. Iran
Iran nuclear talks to resume next week Meetings on the Iran nuclear agreement will continue in Vienna as Iran continues its demand for "Trump sanctions" to be removed. By AL-MONITOR Staff
White House faces tough task of tearing down Iran sanctions wall to save nuclear deal In Trump's final days, the White House introduced a slew of new sanctions aimed at hindering a return to the nuclear deal. Yet since the designations were so blatantly politicized, the risk of undoing them is politically manageable. Iran
Where will new round of strategic talks with US take Iraq? Iraq and US agreed on shifting the anti-IS coalition to training and support only, working on ending the presence of any combat forces. Iraq
Iranian ship, believed to be spy vessel, damaged by mine off Yemen The Iranian Foreign Ministry said its ship suffered minor damage from a limpet mine attack, which The New York Times reports was carried out by Israel, off Yemen. Iran
Man admits asking Gaetz's father for $25M to find FBI agent in Iran, denies extortion Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent believed to have died in Iranian custody, is now wrapped up in Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz's legal drama. Iran
US aircraft carrier returns to Middle East as Suez Canal opens The USS Eisenhower arrives in the Gulf region as the Biden administration kicks off indirect talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Iran
Rockets land near Iraqi air base ahead of strategic dialogue with US No one was hurt in the latest barrage, an Iraqi military official said Iraq
Iran shuns reported US offer on nuclear deal A US proposal reportedly demanding Iran halt its current nuclear enrichment in exchange for sanctions removal was turned down by the Iranian side. Iran
With Netanyahu vulnerable, Israel again ignored by Washington on Iran Knowing he is politically vulnerable, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is silent on Washington’s intention to return to the nuclear deal with Tehran. Israel
Israel says missile struck Israeli ship, points to Iran The cargo ship was heading to India from Tanzania when it was struck by a missile, Channel 12 News reported. News Brief
