US sanctions Iranian crypto exchange BitBank over Hormuz payments The US government says the exchange was used to channel payments from an Iranian maritime-insurance scheme to the regime. Iran
Analysis Could Iran’s nuclear ambitions harden as war escalates? A new report has raised alarm about the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site that President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
US hits 27 Iranian airlines with latest sanctions The targets include Iranian airlines and operators in Malaysia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates, including Mahan Air. Iran
US sanctions Turkey-based bank over Iran ties The Treasury Department said Golden Global Bank was facilitating transactions for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran
Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Can Iran’s economic buffers withstand new US sanctions? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
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
US unveils sanctions against Hamas members, financial network The 10 targets included a longtime Hamas operative based in Qatar who the Treasury Department said has close ties to Iran. Iran
Five Israelis, Palestinians charged in Iran spy plot, Shin Bet says Israel's security service said it had foiled a plot by five Israelis and Palestinians recruited for Iran to spy on Israeli politicians, including the far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Israel
In China, Syria's Assad gets political fanfare, but no funding commitments Since Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in January 2022, there have been no projects to show for it in the war-torn country. Syria
Turkey gloats at Menendez indictment but will it get F-16 jets? Sen. Bob Menendez, a strong critic of Turkey who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been charged for allegedly receiving bribes via a scheme involving Egypt. Turkey
Red carpet, honor guard and flowers: Syria’s Assad receives lavish welcome in China Assad will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first visit to China since 2004, potentially turning a page in Syria-China relations as Damascus seeks reconstruction help. Syria
Iran frees 5 Americans in prisoner swap with US A US-bound flight carrying a group of American detainees including Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz and Emad Shargi left Iran on Monday. Iran
US, partners impose new Iran sanctions to mark Amini anniversary The US in conjunction with Australia, Canada, and the UK issued a new round of sanctions against Iranian-state entities, officials and individuals in connection with Tehran's crackdown on protesters. Iran
Which 5 Turkey-based firms did US sanction for aiding Russia in Ukraine? US officials have repeatedly pressed Turkish counterparts to address the flow of funds to Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Turkey
US unveils sanctions on Hezbollah operatives in South America, Lebanon The targets include one of Hezbollah's alleged operational members behind the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association bombing in 1994. Lebanon
Shipping company in Greece fined $2.4B for breaching Iran sanctions In an agreement with the US, the illegal oil export was kept secret for almost five months amid fears of retaliation from Tehran. Iran
US presses UAE over dual-use goods fueling Russia's war US officials, along with their counterparts from the European Union and United Kingdom, are visiting the UAE this week to discuss the Gulf country's financial dealings with Russia. United Arab Emirates
