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
Iran-Russia military relations take spotlight following Moscow FM meeting Despite international pressure, the two isolated states have been ramping up military ties with reported deliveries of Iranian drones in exchange for Russian Sukhoi warplanes. Iran
Top US general advocates targeting Iran’s IRGC Quds Force after Syria drone attack Biden’s airstrikes in Syria highlight paradox of deterring Iran-backed groups without triggering further escalation. Syria
Iran adheres to ambiguity over attack on US base in Syria Iranian officials continue to neither confirm nor deny responsibility for a recent deadly attack on US forces in Syria that has been blamed on Tehran-backed proxies. Iran
Iranian, Saudi FMs hold second call in a week on 'constructive' relations Iran may also soon resume relations with Bahrain following mediation by Oman. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia, UAE court China in search for stability with Iran The Arab Gulf states remain cordial and diplomatic as the United States, Russia, China and Iran feud over spying and matters of international law. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Iran-Iraq agreement about more than borders Tehran reinforces position in Iraq with border deal; Syria heats up despite Arab rapprochement; Iraq-Turkey manage differences on water, oil and PKK. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Second attack on US military in Syria following Pentagon’s airstrikes The US military said it struck Iranian-affiliated targets in eastern Syria in response to an earlier drone attack. Syria
Setback for Iran as US court orders $1.68 billion payout for 1983 Beirut bombing One analyst told Al-Monitor that the families of the US Marines killed in the attack could finally receive compensation following years of legal battles. Iran
Top US general says ‘multiple options’ ready if Iran develops nuclear weapon Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said Iran could produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon in less than two weeks. Iran
Iran flexes military muscle after joint naval drills with Russia, China The exercise included China's powerful Nanning warship and coincided with Tehran’s recent diplomatic pushes to reposition itself in the regional power play by adhering to the “look to the East” policy. Iran
Saudi Arabia, Iran FMs to meet 'soon' after phone call Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed earlier this month to resume relations in a deal brokered by China. Legacy: Gulf
10 soldiers killed in Yemen as fighting with Houthis resumes in Marib The fighting in oil-rich Marib is disrupting renewed efforts to end the Yemeni war amid the cautious optimism that has followed the Saudi-Iranian deal. Legacy: Gulf
