Analysis Lacking leverage over Trump, Israel stays quiet on US-Iran talks Realizing it has little to no influence over President Donald Trump’s decision-making, the Israeli government has remained silent on the possibility of the United States and Iran resuming negotiations. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Syria, US hold first business forum since sanctions relief: What to know The one-day forum in Damascus was organized by Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry and the US-Syria Business Council, which was established in Washington last June to advance trade and investment between the two nations. Syria
Analysis As US-Iran fighting resumes, Israel weighs 3 options with restraint winning, for now Despite Israel's military readiness to resume strikes on Iran, officials say looming elections make Netanyahu more likely to stay out unless Tehran forces his hand. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US to drop Syria from terror blacklist The terrorism label remained a key obstacle to Syria's postwar reconstruction. Syria
Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US targets Iranian officials with human rights sanctions The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 10 Iranian individuals and one entity connected to the protest violence. Iran
US to designate Russia’s Wagner Group as transnational criminal organization The Russian mercenary group has been accused of war crimes from Syria to Libya, the Central African Republic and Ukraine. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Explainer: Turkey’s Halkbank appeals to US Supreme Court in Iran sanctions case The case comes at a tense time in US-Turkey relations as the Biden administration weighs whether to sell F-16 jets to Turkey. Turkey
Iraq's PM Sudani hosted US envoy ahead of meeting Iran's Quds commander Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received high-ranking US and Iranian envoys separately for discussions of bilateral issues related to both countries. Iran
Gas-rich Iran apologizes to citizens over chaotic shortages Despite sitting on the world's second-largest gas reserves, Iran has in recent days witnessed the chaotic management of its household gas heating, which is adding further to a host of unaddressed public grievances. Iran
European Parliament set to debate Iran as members push for IRGC designation More than 100 EU Parliament members are calling on the European Commission and EU member states to add Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to their terror lists and increase sanctions on Tehran. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US slaps sanctions on Islamic State network in Turkey The US Treasury Department designated four individuals and two entities accused of enabling the terrorist group’s recruitment and financial transfers. Turkey
The Takeaway: Regional embrace of Syria's Assad puts US in tight spot Plus, the US responds to Itamar Ben-Gvir's controversial holy site visit, and President Joe Biden names ambassadors to Jordan and Oman. Syria
US targets Iran's prosecutor general, military officials with new sanctions The US Treasury Department also designated a company manufacturing riot gear for Iran's law enforcement. Iran
US issues new Iran sanctions over protest crackdown The latest sanctions target two law enforcement commanders and the warden of an Iranian prison housing political prisoners. Iran
Iran begins linking electricity with Russia Tehran is seeking help from neighboring states in part due to the impact of US sanctions on Iran’s power grid. Iran
Iran sanctions French carmakers Peugeot, Renault and Citroen all do considerable business in Iran. The move follows new European Union sanctions against Iran in relation to the anti-government protests in the country. Iran
