Analysis Why Iran is making Hezbollah a red line in postwar diplomacy Recent statements from Iran's military and diplomatic leadership suggest Tehran is determined to prove that war has weakened neither its regional alliances nor its leverage. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Algeria begins work on Trans-Saharan gas pipeline to Europe Algerian state-owned energy giant Sonatrach will build a section of the pipeline and connect it to an existing system in the southwestern Aoulef region that supplies Europe. Algeria
Iran unveils new missile-armed fast attack boat: What to know The boats are the latest addition to Iran’s "mosquito fleet," a fleet of high-speed attack craft operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran
Analysis Why Israel sees Lebanon’s 'pilot zones' as path to containing Hezbollah Israel views the proposed pilot security zones in southern Lebanon as a pragmatic way to gradually expand Lebanese state control, push Hezbollah away from the border and preserve a fragile ceasefire while the Trump administration pursues broader negotiations with Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Why Iran strikes on Kuwait pose dilemma for US Navy’s blockade By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Bracing for backlash, Iran sends mixed signals on US talks Iran's public messaging remains fragmented, with cautious openness from the presidency, rigid red lines from security officials and outright rejection from hard-liners, who see negotiations as futile. Iran
Witkoff meets Netanyahu as Israel warns against potential Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s security chiefs briefed US envoy Steve Witkoff on the country’s concerns ahead of Friday’s US-Iran talks. Israel
Iran seeks nuclear-only US talks, to drop Turkey as host: Source Iran’s push for a bilateral, nuclear-only format and a possible shift to Oman has frustrated mediators. Turkey
US F-35 downs Iran drone as IRGC boats target tanker near Hormuz The US military accused Iran of "unnecessary aggression" after shooting down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea and IRGC vessels approached a US-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz ahead of US-Iran talks later this week. Iran
On eve of talks, UAE's Gargash throws weight behind Iran-US deal Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, spoke at a panel discussion at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where he discussed the latest developments in Gaza, Iran, Sudan and Yemen. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s MBZ reportedly cancels Japan visit amid US-Iran standoff: What to know While tensions remain high between the US and Iran, both sides are reportedly moving toward renewed nuclear talks. United Arab Emirates
Gulf markets recover after gold rout, buoyed by Iran de-escalation hopes Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index, TASI, rose 1.4%, a day after falling the most in nearly 10 months amid a broad sell-off in the commodities market. United Arab Emirates
Turkey emerges as possible host for US-Iran talks: What to know Turkey is moving to host potential US-Iran talks as Ankara intensifies mediation efforts amid mounting concerns over the fallout of a possible US strike on Iran. Turkey
US-Iran tensions fan oil disruption fears as Gulf states confront retaliation risks From blocking the Strait of Hormuz and seizing commercial shipping to striking energy infrastructure, Tehran’s retaliation playbook could rattle the region as Gulf states fear red lines have been crossed. Iran
As Iran stalls, US military strikes risk uncertain outcomes If Iran’s leaders refuse to negotiate over the Trump administration’s demands, the president may have to choose between strike options that can likely only further degrade its nuclear program — not fully destroy it. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Putin meets Iran’s top security official as Trump says Tehran wants deal President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is seeking a nuclear deal but declined to specify a timeline for negotiations. Iran
Iraqi militias claim volunteers readying to defend Iran from US: What to know Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have said they are registering volunteers to defend Iran should the US attack. Iraq
