Analysis Oman talks leave Israel unsure of Trump's endgame as missile threat persists Israel and the United States are tightly coordinated on intelligence, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is apparently in the dark on President Donald Trump's intentions in Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Will EU’s terror listing of besieged Iran's IRGC backfire? The EU designation could ultimately render the IRGC an even more aggressive and defiant organization aboard, and a more assertive rights violator at home. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
European Union adds IRGC to terror list, expands sanctions As the extent of the killing of protests is gradually revealed, the European Union has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Iran
US designates Muslim Brotherhood chapters as terrorist organizations: What to know The designations of the Brotherhood's branches in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan follow President Donald Trump's executive order in November targeting the pan-Islamist movement. United States
Analysis Venezuelan crisis unlikely to impact MENA crude exporters in short term By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US fails to shield humanitarian trade with Iran as sanctions loom European governments are urging the Trump administration to identify a legal means for their companies to continue to provide food and medicine to Iranians after the Nov. 5 re-imposition of secondary sanctions begins. United States
Smuggling surges as US sanctions hit Iranian rial The Rouhani administration may not be responsible for the US sanctions hitting the Iranian economy, but it is responsible for the damage caused by smuggling and other harmful activities resulting from misguided foreign exchange policies. Iran
Iran turns to tourism to earn hard currency, create jobs From developing infrastructure to expanding marine tourism and easing visa issuances, Iran is increasingly focusing on its underdeveloped tourism sector as US sanctions are reimposed. Iran
Will US sanctions sway Iran to enter oil deal with Russia? Iranians in general do not trust Russia, but their government may be looking into various oil deals with Moscow to work around US sanctions. Russia
Trump slams Saudi Khashoggi plot, US announces visa sanctions US President Donald Trump heaped scorn on ally Saudi Arabia, saying the operation that killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi was “very bad” and the cover-up in weeks afterward was the “worst … ever.” Saudi Arabia
Khashoggi killing undercuts Trump campaign against Iran The US campaign to convince the world to cut off Iran has taken a hit two weeks before oil sanctions are set to kick in. Saudi Arabia
Iran hedges bets on EU, China with focus on trade with neighbors Beyond engaging with Europe and major global trading partners such as China, Iran is looking to its neighbors to blunt the impact of US sanctions. Iran
Opposition to US plans for east Syria unites fragile Astana trio No daylight among Iran, Turkey and Russia in opposing US policies in Syria; Can Iraq mediate between the United States and Iran? Iraq
US scraps treaty with Iran while calling for another treaty The US withdrew from a treaty with Iran after the treaty was used in a UN court to complain about its sanctions. United States
