Lebanon's FM snubs Iran, turns down invitation to visit Tehran: What to know Youssef Rajji declined an invitation from his Iranian counterpart to visit Tehran, saying, "The appropriate conditions for such a visit were not present.” Lebanon
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis Iran’s new military drills near disputed islands ratchet up tensions with UAE By combining high-tech capabilities, publicized warnings to foreign vessels and historical framing of territorial sovereignty, Tehran is seeking to assertively position itself in a dispute that has resisted resolution for decades. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
US strategy document names Iran 'chief' destabilizer, calls Syria 'potential problem' The document frames US engagement as shifting away from energy and conflict and toward broader economic and defense partnerships. United States
Analysis Iraq’s next PM? Shatri, Eidani, Kadhimi and others jostle for lead By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis F-35s, chips but no security guarantees: What MBS achieved — and didn’t — in Washington By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis How Iraq’s next government could shape the US-Iran rivalry By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Washington warns Iran as doubts grow about Israel's abilities in Gaza war The White House on Monday accused Iran of "actively facilitating" attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria as Washington pledges to continue its support for Israel's war in Gaza. Legacy: Gulf
On Israel-Hamas war, Biden puts Iran on notice as it bides its time The US president linked Russia and Hamas in their desire to "annihilate" neighboring democracies, and their relationship with Iran; Israel rethinks deterrence; Biden foreshadows a post-war future. Iran
How might Iran respond to an Israeli ground incursion into Gaza? The Islamic Republic appears uninterested in a direct confrontation with Israel amid the latter's war with Tehran-backed militants in Gaza, but has warned that its proxies remain ready to pull the trigger and "re-map" Israel. Iran
US destroyer shoots down cruise missiles by Iran-backed Houthis Iran-backed factions appeared to break several months of detente with US forces in the Middle East this week by launching drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, Iraq and Syria amid Israel's war in Gaza, throwing the Pentagon's deterrence efforts into question. Syria
US troops shoot down third drone over Iraq as Biden visits Israel Coalition personnel suffered minor injuries after a thwarted drone attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq's Anbar province, as Iran-backed factions continue threats to attack US forces over Washington's support for Israel's war in Gaza. Iraq
US targets Iran's drone, missile programs as UN restrictions expire US officials said the latest sanctions are intended to constrain Iran's military relationship with Russia and counter the Islamic Republic's destabilizing regional behavior. Iran
Analysis Distrusting Netanyahu, US takes oversight role in Israel's Hamas war The two visits to Israel by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, another by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the expected arrival on Wednesday of President Joe Biden reflect American concerns over the outbreak of a regional war. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran doubles down on backing Hamas, says US unable to block $6 billion fund The Islamic Republic has dismissed a reported US-Qatari deal on pausing an expected release of unfrozen Iranian funds while warning that other Iran-baked regional proxies could join Hamas' battle against Israel. Iran
US, Qatar reportedly agree to pause Iran's access to $6 billion fund The Biden administration faced mounting congressional pressure to punish Iran over the surprise attack on Israel carried out by its proxy, Hamas. Qatar
Khamenei cheers Hamas' 'epic' attacks on Israel, but denies Iran role While taking "pride in Palestinian youths" for their attacks on Israel, the Iranian leader shielded Tehran from mounting accusations that it was behind the deadly operations. Iran
Pentagon warns Iran, Hezbollah to stay out of Hamas war with Israel The Biden administration deployed an aircraft carrier strike group in a bid to deter a multi-front war against Israel, but lack of a formal defense treaty with Israel and Congressional authorities could inhibit Washington's ability to respond. Iran
Israel-Saudi normalization falls casualty of Hamas attack The US-brokered talks were making progress; that’s probably why Iran gave Hamas the green light. Israel
