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
Congress questions Biden's decision to bomb Syria Some Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are questioning the justification for the US airstrike against Iran-affiliated targets in eastern Syria. Syria
Biden's CIA nominee stresses China over Iran during Senate hearing Ambassador William Burns said that China is the biggest challenge for the United States, but that Iran and Russia cannot be overlooked. Regional
CENTCOM chief warns Iran over strikes on Erbil, Saudi Arabia Gen. Kenneth "'Frank" McKenzie warned Iran in the boldest statement yet from the Biden administration over the attacks. Saudi Arabia
Iran denies involvement in Erbil rocket strike The Iranian Foreign Ministry said attempts to blame Tehran for the attack are "suspicious." Iraq
Pandemic forces Iran to cancel mass marches for revolution anniversary Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Iran’s state-organized marches marking the anniversary of its 1979 revolution had to be reduced to vehicle parades. Yet Iranian officials found their own ways to address tensions with the West. Iran
US to continue defensive intelligence support to Saudi Arabia on Yemen 'We are not a party to Yemen's civil war,' CENTCOM commander says Saudi Arabia
Pentagon sends aircraft carrier Nimitz home from Middle East The USS Nimitz spent more than 270 days at sea conducting exercises with the Indian navy and seeking to deter Iran from retaliating for last year's killing of Qasem Soleimani. Legacy: Gulf
Pentagon reassures Middle East partners on deterring Iran The US military is signaling its show of force against Tehran may continue as the State Department explores paths toward a renewed nuclear agreement. United States
Intel: Progressives defend Robert Malley as Biden's possible Iran envoy Critics accuse the former Obama official of overlooking Iran's human rights record. Congress
Iran hosts Taliban delegation to discuss US presence in Afghanistan Both Iranian and Taliban officials criticized the United States' role in Afghanistan during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, amid peace talks in Qatar. Iran
Iranian-American sentenced to prison, allegedly without a trial Iran has imprisoned a number of dual citizens of the United States and European countries on disputed charges. United States
France says Iran must return to nuclear deal compliance before US does Paris backed up Washington after Russia’s government said the Biden administration must make the first move before Iran returns to compliance. Iran
