Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know President Donald Trump was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, who was seen as close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate put forward by Iraq’s leading Shiite bloc. Iraq
Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies As the Hormuz standoff intensifies, Trump must choose between military escalation, a limited diplomatic deal, or continuing a pressure campaign against Iran. Iran
In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US. Iran
Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates President Donald Trump spoke by phone separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Iran and the possibility of extending the ceasefire. United States
Analysis How long can Iran's economy withstand Trump's naval blockade? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
US denies involvement in attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear site Iran has blamed Israel for the attack on its Natanz nuclear site. 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
White House faces tough task of tearing down Iran sanctions wall to save nuclear deal In Trump's final days, the White House introduced a slew of new sanctions aimed at hindering a return to the nuclear deal. Yet since the designations were so blatantly politicized, the risk of undoing them is politically manageable. Iran
Where will new round of strategic talks with US take Iraq? Iraq and US agreed on shifting the anti-IS coalition to training and support only, working on ending the presence of any combat forces. Iraq
Iranian ship, believed to be spy vessel, damaged by mine off Yemen The Iranian Foreign Ministry said its ship suffered minor damage from a limpet mine attack, which The New York Times reports was carried out by Israel, off Yemen. Iran
Man admits asking Gaetz's father for $25M to find FBI agent in Iran, denies extortion Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent believed to have died in Iranian custody, is now wrapped up in Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz's legal drama. Iran
US aircraft carrier returns to Middle East as Suez Canal opens The USS Eisenhower arrives in the Gulf region as the Biden administration kicks off indirect talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Iran
Rockets land near Iraqi air base ahead of strategic dialogue with US No one was hurt in the latest barrage, an Iraqi military official said Iraq
Iran shuns reported US offer on nuclear deal A US proposal reportedly demanding Iran halt its current nuclear enrichment in exchange for sanctions removal was turned down by the Iranian side. Iran
With Netanyahu vulnerable, Israel again ignored by Washington on Iran Knowing he is politically vulnerable, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is silent on Washington’s intention to return to the nuclear deal with Tehran. Israel
Israel says missile struck Israeli ship, points to Iran The cargo ship was heading to India from Tanzania when it was struck by a missile, Channel 12 News reported. News Brief
Iran vows to boost missiles despite pressure Iran’s defense minister pledged a more vigorous pursuit of the Islamic Republic’s missile activities, shrugging Western worries about the controversial program. Iran
