Analysis

As Lebanon-Israel talks begin, can Rubio press Netanyahu into ceasefire?

"Donald Trump pressured Benjamin Netanyahu into these negotiations...Trump sees what is happening in Lebanon as a troublesome issue that prevents him from addressing the main problem with Iran," an Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Meloni suspends Italy's military cooperation agreement with Israel

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced her country's military cooperation agreement with Israel will no longer be automatically renewed.

Israel

As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil

Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies.

Iran

Analysis

US blockade on Iran’s oil begins amid unclear enforcement, energy shock fears

The move threatens to cut off roughly 2 million barrels per day of Iranian crude exports, but key questions remain as the operation begins.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

'No fear': Pope Leo pushes against Trump attacks as he lands in Algeria

President Donald Trump has escalated against the first American pontiff over his criticism of the Israel-US war in Iran.

Iran

Oil back above $100 as US moves to blockade Strait of Hormuz

Soaring energy prices can be expected to remain volatile while the US begins its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran

Analysis

Inside Turkey’s role in the US-Iran ceasefire

Turkey used its intelligence networks and rare access to both Washington and Tehran to quietly facilitate the US-Iran ceasefire while advancing its own regional security priorities.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression

Despite the ceasefire, pressure is mounting inside Iran: arrests are rising, the internet remains largely shut down, and millions face deep economic uncertainty.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Newsletter: Security

Iran war reveals limits of US air power

After weeks of airstrikes, Washington faces a narrower set of options as Iran retains leverage over Hormuz ahead of upcoming talks.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

In Islamabad, US set to face a more defiant Iran at negotiating table

Iran's widening ambitions after the war include a bid to exercise permanent control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran

Analysis

Ahead of Washington talks, Israel has little choice but to accept ceasefire in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had little choice but to agree to direct talks with Beirut as it became clear that Hezbollah is unlikely to be quickly disarmed.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Sanctions relief, Pakistan role propel China backing of Iran-US ceasefire

The US–Iran truce boosts Pakistan — one of China’s closest partners — by elevating its role as a mediator and strengthening a regional balance that favors Beijing’s allies.

By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll