Venezuela’s VP meets emir in Qatar, looks to expand energy ties: What to know Qatar has demonstrated interest in Venezuela’s recovering oil industry as well as mediation between the US and the South American country. Qatar
US sanctions China-Iran network aiding Tehran missile program The Trump administration is stepping up sanctions on Iran as it conducts talks over its rapidly expanding nuclear program. Iran
First Syria delegation under Sharaa visits US, will attend IMF meetings: What to know Syria's new government faces the daunting task of rebuilding an economy shattered by war and burdened with debt, ongoing sanctions and reconstruction costs. Syria
From 2008 to today: Expectations and timeline of US-Iran talks The upcoming talks will be the most significant since negotiations broke down in 2022 and come in the wake of President Donald Trump threatening to bomb Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear program. Iran
Intel: What’s in Congress’ new Turkey sanctions package Infuriated with President Donald Trump for greenlighting Turkey’s offensive against the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units, Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., are turning to sanctions legislation. Syria
Zarif's 12-nation tour highlights an active Iranian diplomacy Despite the US sanctions imposed on him, Iran's foreign minister was not hindered in his whirlwind diplomatic tour of Europe and Asia. Kuwait
UN nuclear watchdog confirms Iran installing advanced centrifuges The IAEA has confirmed Iran’s third step of reducing its limitations on nuclear research and development under the JCPOA. Iran
Intel: Why Russia boosts Iran even as Tehran pares nuclear deal commitments Despite their differences on Syria, Russia needs a stronger Iran as its partner. Russia
The interplay between exchange rates and inflation in Iran While the Iranian rial has strengthened against the dollar, inflation remains high, and the budget deficit is not helping the matter. Iran
As Trump mulls Iran diplomacy, Mnuchin plays more visible role As US President Donald Trump mulls Iran diplomacy, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is playing a more visible role. United States
Why Iran has been quiet when it comes to Syria's Idlib, safe zone Iran has been careful not to antagonize Turkey while also opposing US-Turkish agreements on Syria. Syria
Macron to press Trump on Iran diplomacy at G-7 French President Emmanuel Macron says he will present US President Donald Trump ideas for an economic incentive package to try to advance Iran diplomacy at the G-7 summit in Biarritz this weekend. United States
What was behind regional tour of Iranian foreign minister? Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif goes to Kuwait and Qatar to promote dialogue, perhaps because opportunities that once developed through Oman may no longer be as fruitful as they once were. Saudi Arabia
Democratic leaders blast Israel for banning Tlaib, Omar Pro-Israel Democrats are blasting Israel’s decision to ban two pro-Palestinian lawmakers from visiting the West Bank following pressure from President Donald Trump. Palestine
US sanctions on a Christian militiaman reignite conflict among Iraqi Christians As the United States imposes sanctions on a Christian militiaman, conflict among Iraqi Christians flares up. Iraq
Can Iran combat corruption in petroleum sector? Iran is showing a greater transparency about corruption, perhaps in part because of the problems caused by sanctions, but has a long way to defeat this scourge. Iran
