Supreme Court clears path for Turkey’s Halkbank trial over Iran sanctions The Turkish president personally raised the Halkbank case with US President Donald Trump at the White House, as Ankara pushes for a settlement to avoid a drawn-out legal battle. Turkey
US targets Iran's military tech with sanctions after allies trigger snapback New sanctions aim to increase pressure on Iran to restrict the IRGC’s relentless development of ballistic missiles and military aircraft, but risk pushing Tehran further into the orbits of Russia and China. United States
Analysis How far will China, Russia go in shielding Iran from UN sanctions? Iran is lobbying states to resist enforcement of UN sanctions — looking particularly to China and Russia to blunt the impact, even as questions remain about the limits of their willingness to act. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
From F-35s to Ukraine: Erdogan-Trump talks signal reset, but sanctions obstacles remain The summit underscored both leaders’ personal chemistry while highlighting the limits of what the partnership can deliver. Turkey
Analysis 'Prepared for any scenario': What are Iran's options after sanctions snapback? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Russia’s oil sales to China hurt Saudi revenue despite increased demand Despite oil prices maintaining a seven-week rally and crude demand expected to reach record highs in 2023, the burden of maintaining higher oil prices is pushing Saudi Arabia to the limit. By Salim A. Essaid
US sanctions exemption for earthquake relief to Syria expires The Treasury announcement came as the Syrian government reauthorized the UN's use of two border crossings to deliver aid. Syria
Lebanon: Republicans in Congress call for sanctions against political class The letters come amid Lebanon’s continued political paralysis, economic crisis and rising tensions with Israel. Some members of Congress are calling for sanctions on parliament speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah. Lebanon
Iran's oil shipments to China triple in 3 years despite sanctions Iran’s strengthening ties to China have prompted some senators to call for more sanctions. Iran
Iraqi dinar falls 17% against dollar amid US restrictions over Iran deals The current depreciation follows 14 Iraqi banks being barred from using the dollar amid a crackdown on smuggling to Iran. Iraq
Biden walks tightrope as Israel’s democracy tested The judicial overhaul pursued by Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition has bitterly divided Israeli society and cast further strain on US-Israel ties. Israel
Russia pulls inspectors from Turkey after Kremlin nixes grain deal The joint operation center in Istanbul, which was set up as part of the Black Sea grain deal, has been the sole mechanism through which Ukrainian and Russian officials were directly working together on a regular basis since the invasion of Ukraine. Turkey
UK sanctions 13 Wagner-linked firms and officials in Sudan, CAR, Mali The mercenary group has been operating across Africa for many years, exploiting the continent's natural resources and providing military support for its own financial gain. The Horn of Africa
Republican lawmakers urge sanctions over Iran oil sales to China Senate Republicans are pushing for harsher penalties against Chinese-linked actors involved in Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade. Iran
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. Iran
In Moscow, Russia's Lavrov welcomes Gulf states' rapprochement with Iran Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia and GCC countries will expand their cooperation together in areas of economic trade, defense, security, energy and politics. Legacy: Gulf
Iran boasts to OPEC of growing crude sales despite sanctions Iran's top energy official told oil-exporting nations that the Islamic Republic is in good shape bypassing sanctions to sell its lifeline product as he advertised an attractive investment market in his country. Iran
