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
Iranian official says US agrees to lift Trump-era oil sanctions The chief of staff to outgoing Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was quoted as saying that Washington had agreed to remove more than 1,000 sanctions imposed upon Iran by the previous US administration. Iran
Iran's new president rules out meeting with Biden President-elect Ebrahim Raisi suggested he would continue President Hassan Rouhani’s foreign policies. Iran
Erdogan tells Biden Turkey won't change position on S-400s Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly told his US counterpart that Ankara won't soften its stance on the Russian S-400 missile systems despite sanctions imposed by Washington over the purchase. Turkey
The slow, uncertain pace of Saudi-Syrian rapprochement Even if the two sides eventually normalize ties, Damascus faces an uphill struggle to return to the Arab League. Syria
Blinken: Iran's nuclear 'breakout time' a matter of weeks if violations continue US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told lawmakers it was unclear if Iran is "willing and prepared" to resume compliance with the nuclear agreement. Iran
Rouhani claims US has agreed to lift key Iran sanctions Iran's president said the United States has agreed to remove substantial economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic following marathon talks in Vienna. Iran
Iran's president claims sanctions will soon be lifted President Hassan Rouhani has vowed to fulfill his promise to remove sanctions during the final months of his administration. Iran
Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief meets with Syrian counterpart in Damascus The meeting takes place during the first official visit to Damascus by Saudi Arabia since 2012. Saudi Arabia
Iran opposes interim deal in 'complicated' Vienna talks The Iranian negotiators appeared dogged in their demand for a full removal of US sanctions, rejecting reports that an interim deal is in the making. Iran
Is Canadian embargo harbinger of more sanctions for Turkey? The Canadian government’s decision to indefinitely cancel military export permits to Turkey has touched a nerve in the Turkish defense industry and bureaucracy. Turkey
Iran says 60% uranium enrichment an answer to attack President Hassan Rouhani says the recent decision to enrich uranium to 60% is in response to the alleged Israeli attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Iran
Iran nuclear talks to resume next week Meetings on the Iran nuclear agreement will continue in Vienna as Iran continues its demand for "Trump sanctions" to be removed. By AL-MONITOR Staff
