Meet Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, Iran's defense minister nominee Akhlaghi Ketabchi has been heavily involved in Iran's missiles programs, and it is not clear how much input Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had in the nomination process. Iran
US quietly aids Saudi Arabia’s Yemen campaign with intel, refueling Pentagon aims to keep Yemen and Iran wars separate while shielding the flow of Gulf oil exports from attack as Riyadh bears the brunt of the Houthis' missile and drone barrages. Yemen
Iran joins SCO drill as China resists direct intervention in US-Iran war An IRGC official said the exercise will focus on countering extremist activities and containing violent groups. Iran
Iraq devalues dinar 13% as Hormuz disruption hits oil revenue The central bank said in a statement that it had revised the official exchange rate to 1,520 Iraqi dinars per dollar from around 1,320. Iraq
Analysis Iran’s execution drive intensifies as war provides cover for repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
In restive Iran-Iraq border area, support for firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr holds strong Al-Monitor traveled to Iraq’s impoverished southeast, known for drug smuggling and militia violence, to explore the continued support there for the Sadr movement. Iraq
Iran top official threatens EU militaries as IRGC terror designation looms Europe’s ties with the Islamic Republic have been worsening since the anti-government protests began in Iran last year. Iran
Drone attack hits Tanf US base in Syria The normally quiet al-Tanf base occupies a remote stretch of the Baghdad-Damascus highway on Syria's southern border with Jordan and Iraq. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
South Korea, Iran summon ambassadors after 'enemy' comments South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described Iran as the “enemy” of the UAE during a visit to the Gulf state, but the East Asian country insists the remarks are being taken out of context. Iran
Explainer: Turkey’s Halkbank appeals to US Supreme Court in Iran sanctions case The case comes at a tense time in US-Turkey relations as the Biden administration weighs whether to sell F-16 jets to Turkey. Turkey
Jake Sullivan arrives in Israel as Netanyahu's government faces crisis The US national security adviser's visit comes as the Biden administration seeks clarity on the Netanyahu government's intentions toward the Palestinians and in the middle of an internal crisis. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Iraq's PM Sudani hosted US envoy ahead of meeting Iran's Quds commander Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received high-ranking US and Iranian envoys separately for discussions of bilateral issues related to both countries. Iran
Pressure on Biden mounts with Namazi hunger strike in Iran As Siamak Namazi, a US citizen, starts a week-long hunger strike to protest his seven-year detention, Iran said his release is possible if the United States shows the "political will" to reach a deal. Iran
Gas-rich Iran apologizes to citizens over chaotic shortages Despite sitting on the world's second-largest gas reserves, Iran has in recent days witnessed the chaotic management of its household gas heating, which is adding further to a host of unaddressed public grievances. Iran
South Korea-UAE visit showcases alignment on arms, energy deals A $30 billion pledge from the UAE to invest in South Korean industries was one outcome of the four-day visit By Salim A. Essaid
Suicide rates on rise in Iran as economic conditions grow more dire Amid a rapidly deteriorating economic situation in Iran, news reports says that some workers are taking their own lives due to poverty. Iran
Iran releases taped 'confessions' by dual British citizen sentenced to death Iran's state media outlets have released a video of Alireza Akbari allegedly confessing to his crimes a day after his death sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court. Iran
