Analysis How long can Iran's economy withstand Trump's naval blockade? Iranian authorities are denouncing US seizures of the country's oil tankers as piracy, but mounting disruptions to maritime trade are exposing economic fragility beneath Tehran's claims of control and resilience. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Why UAE's decision to leave OPEC is major shift for cartel The UAE accounts for 12% of OPEC's output, but tensions had been simmering over intragroup rivalries and the country wanting to export more oil. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US launches airstrikes on Iran militia facilities in Syria President Joe Biden authorized the F-16 strikes in a bid to put a halt to nearly 20 drone attacks targeting US bases in Iraq and Syria over the past week as Washington and Iran trade warnings amid Israel's impending invasion of Gaza. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Washington warns Iran as doubts grow about Israel's abilities in Gaza war The White House on Monday accused Iran of "actively facilitating" attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria as Washington pledges to continue its support for Israel's war in Gaza. Legacy: Gulf
On Israel-Hamas war, Biden puts Iran on notice as it bides its time The US president linked Russia and Hamas in their desire to "annihilate" neighboring democracies, and their relationship with Iran; Israel rethinks deterrence; Biden foreshadows a post-war future. Iran
How might Iran respond to an Israeli ground incursion into Gaza? The Islamic Republic appears uninterested in a direct confrontation with Israel amid the latter's war with Tehran-backed militants in Gaza, but has warned that its proxies remain ready to pull the trigger and "re-map" Israel. Iran
US destroyer shoots down cruise missiles by Iran-backed Houthis Iran-backed factions appeared to break several months of detente with US forces in the Middle East this week by launching drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, Iraq and Syria amid Israel's war in Gaza, throwing the Pentagon's deterrence efforts into question. Syria
US troops shoot down third drone over Iraq as Biden visits Israel Coalition personnel suffered minor injuries after a thwarted drone attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq's Anbar province, as Iran-backed factions continue threats to attack US forces over Washington's support for Israel's war in Gaza. Iraq
US targets Iran's drone, missile programs as UN restrictions expire US officials said the latest sanctions are intended to constrain Iran's military relationship with Russia and counter the Islamic Republic's destabilizing regional behavior. Iran
Analysis Distrusting Netanyahu, US takes oversight role in Israel's Hamas war The two visits to Israel by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, another by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the expected arrival on Wednesday of President Joe Biden reflect American concerns over the outbreak of a regional war. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran doubles down on backing Hamas, says US unable to block $6 billion fund The Islamic Republic has dismissed a reported US-Qatari deal on pausing an expected release of unfrozen Iranian funds while warning that other Iran-baked regional proxies could join Hamas' battle against Israel. Iran
US, Qatar reportedly agree to pause Iran's access to $6 billion fund The Biden administration faced mounting congressional pressure to punish Iran over the surprise attack on Israel carried out by its proxy, Hamas. Qatar
Khamenei cheers Hamas' 'epic' attacks on Israel, but denies Iran role While taking "pride in Palestinian youths" for their attacks on Israel, the Iranian leader shielded Tehran from mounting accusations that it was behind the deadly operations. Iran
Pentagon warns Iran, Hezbollah to stay out of Hamas war with Israel The Biden administration deployed an aircraft carrier strike group in a bid to deter a multi-front war against Israel, but lack of a formal defense treaty with Israel and Congressional authorities could inhibit Washington's ability to respond. Iran
