Analysis Putin's Iran diplomacy faces limits as Russia eyes Ukraine concessions As US-Iran tensions escalate, Russia is stepping up mediation efforts, hoping to gain leverage with Washington over Ukraine despite its limited influence on Tehran. By Anton Mardasov
US sanctions law firm based in Panama, Greece over Iran shipping ties The Treasury Department accused Karnakis and Karnakis of registering shipping companies linked to Iran's so-called shadow fleet. Iran
Gulf oil exports surpass prewar levels despite escalating tanker attacks According to data from Kpler, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and alternative routes across the Middle East averaged more than 24 million barrels a day last week, surpassing prewar levels of 23.3 million. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis How Lavrov's Tehran visit tests limits of Russia's influence over Iran As Tehran looks for an off-ramp from renewed conflict, Moscow is positioning itself as a diplomatic partner while pushing Iran to deliver on long-delayed economic deals. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Deal or war? Israel fears fallout from Trump’s next move on Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran's new foreign minister may bring 'tough line' to nuclear talks Amir-Abdollahian previously served as Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs. Iran
CIA chief Burns, Israel's Bennett meet to discuss Iran CIA Director William Burns met with the new Israeli prime minister on Wednesday as talks to revive the landmark nuclear deal remained deadlocked. Israel
Raisi to Macron: Iran's 'rights' must be upheld in nuclear talks During their phone call Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iran's new president to resume negotiations in Vienna. Iran
Raisi ready to support ‘any diplomatic plan’ that lifts sanctions on Iran Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister is ready to "send a message" to Iran in response to drone attack on Israeli-managed ship that killed two. Iran
G7 condemns Mercer Street attack, says evidence points to Iran The G7 foreign ministers said there was no justification for the drone attack, which came days before the suspected Iranian hijacking of a ship in the Gulf of Oman. Iran
Gantz says Israel ready for military action against Iran, if necessary Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid champion diplomatic efforts against what they consider Iranian terror acts at sea. Israel
US urges Iran to return to nuclear talks as Raisi sworn in Talks over reviving the nuclear deal remain on hold — a process the Biden administration warned "cannot go on indefinitely." Iran
Bennett styles himself as Israel’s new Mr. Security On the backdrop of the fatal drone attack against the oil tanker off Oman and of growing tensions on Israel’s northern border, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is positioning himself as Israel’s new Mr. Security. Israel
The Takeaway: Does Raisi sink prospects for Iran nuclear deal? Maybe not, but diplomacy just got harder; also, Egypt pushes plans to address climate and water crises; Sudan calls out Ethiopia on recent floods; Russia says it is helping save Syria’s heritage; Turkish cleric takes issue with dress code for Olympic women; remembering Beirut’s port explosion; more! Iran
Pentagon doesn't rule out response for Gulf shipping attack Iran's conflicts with its neighbors once again loom over Biden's ambitions to return to the Iran deal. Iran
Israel considers options after drone attack on ship blamed on Iran The drone attack against an Israeli-managed oil tanker last week revealed Israel’s soft underbelly at sea, and forces its leadership to consider how to retaliate. Israel
Middle East economic outlook hinges on vaccinations Five countries to watch: Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt and Oman. Egypt