Iran-US tensions

US President Donald Trump looks on as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets the crowd during the Saudi-US investment forum at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. Saudi Arabia on May 13 promised billions of dollars in deals with the United States from defence to artificial intelligence as it threw a lavish welcome for President Donald Trump on the first state visit of his second term. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty I

Analysis

Trump’s Gulf tour alarms Iran as it fears isolation, shifting alliances

Sanctions-hit Iran is anxiously watching Trump clinch multibillion-dollar trade deals with regional heavyweights, yet it is finding a moment of relief in the "sidelining" of Israel.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

US President Donald Trump gestures as he walks to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, May 12, 2025.

Analysis

Netanyahu scrambles as Trump skips Israel visit, gap widens on Gaza, Iran

Despite pleas on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s part, President Donald Trump will not pass through Israel during his Gulf tour.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

President Donald Trump boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on May 12, 2025, in Washington.

Analysis

With US-Saudi defense pact stalled, Trump eyes civilian nuclear deal

Negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program have placed the Trump administration's strategic approach to the Middle East in a holding pattern.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

US President Donald Trump (L) bids farewell to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he leaves the White House after a meeting on April 7, 2025, in Washington.

Analysis

How Trump's Gulf tour and release of Edan Alexander expose rift with Netanyahu

The US-Hamas deal for the release of Edan Alexander is just one of a series of issues where the gaps between Washington and the Netanyahu government keep growing.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Latest News

Analysis

Iran's counterbalancing act: Araghchi in Saudi Arabia ahead of Trump tour

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to AFP during an interview at the Iranian consulate in Jeddah on March 7, 2025.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

As Iran lashes out, Trump undecided on changing ‘Persian Gulf’ to ‘Arabian Gulf’

Skyscraper in Doha, Qatar.

US loses second F/A-18 jet in week of Houthi campaign

ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Iran vows ‘unrestrained’ force with new missile ahead of next round of US nuclear talks

A woman walks past a banner depicting launching missiles bearing the emblem of the Islamic Republic of Iran in central Tehran on April 15, 2024.

A US Navy Martin UAV drone flies over the Gulf waters as Royal Bahrain Naval Force Abdulrahman Al Fadhel takes part in joint naval exercise between US 5th Fleet Command and Bahraini forces, Oct. 26, 2021.

Pentagon sends US Marines to deter Iran tanker seizures in Persian Gulf

A Marine Expeditionary Unit will follow F-35s, F-16s and a Navy destroyer in deployment to the region to ward off Tehran's retaliatory seizures.

US soldiers in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) patrol the countryside of al-Malikiya town (Derik in Kurdish) in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province July 17, 2023. (Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP) (Photo by

Top US general pumps brakes on sending more forces to confront Russia in Syria

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley suggested there's little the US can do to stop Russian fighter pilots' free rein over Syria's skies but warned American forces will defend themselves if they detect "hostile intent."

US President Joe Biden meets with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Biden pledges Iran 'never acquires nuclear weapon' as he hosts Israel’s Herzog

In his comment before his meeting with Israel's President Isaac Herzog, President Joe Biden did not address the Netanyahu government's judicial overhaul plan. But he did reiterate the US commitment to Israel's security and the strong ties between the two countries.

Iranian troops take part in a military parade during a ceremony marking the country's annual army day in the capital Tehran on April 18, 2023. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran declares 'efficient deterrence' against any military strike

Iran has in recent years shown off its military advancements, particularly its drones and ballistic missiles, shrugging off Western worries that it is escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East.

In this handout image released by the South Korean Defense Ministry, a South Korean Air Force F-35A fighter jet takes off from the runway during the "Vigilant Storm" U.S.-South Korea joint aerial drill at Gunsan Air Base on Oct. 31, 2022 in Gunsan, South Korea.

US sends F-35s, Navy destroyer to Middle East amid aggressive moves by Russia, Iran

The Pentagon is bolstering its defenses in the region as Congress presses the Biden administration to crack down on Iran's oil and gas exports.

Soldiers of a Russian military convoy and their US counterparts exchange greetings as their patrol routes intersect in an oil field near Syria's al-Qahtaniyah town in the northeastern Hasakah province, close to the border with Turkey, on Oct. 8, 2022.

Russia, Iran quietly coordinating in Syria to pressure US, official says

Russia is trying to squeeze the US out of Syria's airspace while the IRGC continues to flow weapons used to attack US bases into the country, a senior military official said.

rticipants hold placards reading "I choose Maryam Rajav."

Iran rebukes Italy over 'terror sponsorship' after hosting MEK leader

Iran was enraged by the Italian Senate Foreign Relations Committee after it hosted the leader of an opposition group that has been seeking regime change in Tehran for decades.

JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP via Getty Images

Iran’s Raisi seals 21 deals on Africa trip, attends drone exhibit in Kenya

Iran is seeking stronger ties to sub-Saharan Africa but faces competition from the Gulf and China.

Israeli soldiers take position along the border with Lebanon, in the town of Metulla in northern Israel, July 12, 2023.

Analysis

Israel’s Hezbollah deterrence is eroding as Lebanon border heats up

IDF seniors warn that Hezbollah is becoming bolder and bolder, increasingly attempting to infiltrate Israeli territories and to provoke incidents with Israel.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand on September 15, 2022. (Photo by Alexandr Demyanchuk / SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDR DEMYANCHUK/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran summons Russia's ambassador over UAE islands dispute

On Monday, Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement calling for a “a peaceful solution” to the dispute over the Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands “in accordance with international law."

General Brown

US Joint Chiefs nominee emphasizes Middle East cooperation to deter Iran

Air Force Gen. CQ Brown told Senate lawmakers that the United States should provide Middle Eastern states with the military capabilities they need to deter attacks by Iran.

Washington Connection

An Israeli F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft performs manuevers during the "Noble Dina 23" multilateral aeronautical exercise over the Mediterranean sea on March 27, 2023. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

US, Israel war games underscore warnings to Iran on nuclear enrichment

This week's Juniper Oak exercise follows reports that the Biden administration has sought to commit Tehran to an informal arrangement limiting its nuclear enrichment outside of the JCPOA.