How Saudi Arabia, Qatar are competing over Iraq

As the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Qatar continues, each country seeks influence in Iraq in order to expand its economic and political power in the region.

Saudi Arabia

Trump reignites Iranian rage with 'terrorist nation' diatribe

Despite political differences, many Iranians are coming together to lash out at US President Donald Trump after he called Iran "a terrorist nation."

Iran

Iranian pension funds on brink absent major reforms

Iran’s main pension funds appear to be in dire need of prompt reform in order to survive without government bailouts.

Iran

Iran factory workers demand wages as strike enters 16th day

Demands by striking workers at a troubled sugar plant in Iran's southwest remain unfulfilled, with several protest leaders being kept in police custody.

Iran

Intel: How Russia, Iran are facilitating illicit oil shipments to Syria (according to the US)

Syria

With rising US pressure, Iran worries about losing ground in Iraq

Iran is worried about losing influence in Iraq after the reimposition of US sanctions on Iran and because of US pressure on Iraq to distance itself from Iran.

Iraq

Iran turns to pragmatism as Israel woos Oman

While Iran is unlikely to have been happy about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Oman, it has tried to remain pragmatic in order to prevent tensions with a longstanding Arab friend.

Saudi Arabia

Iran, Iraq look to expand economic ties amid US sanctions

Despite US sanctions, Iranian and Iraqi officials hope to increase economic ties.

Iraq

Hard-liners face backlash in Iranian holy city in wake of 'insulting' open letter

A senior hard-line cleric’s sniping at a grand ayatollah for meeting with Reformists has sparked a backlash that is revealing the depth of clerical opposition to radical conservatives.

Iran

Outrage in Iran over reassignment of 'corrupt' minister

The Iranian Parliament’s quick confirmation of Mohammad Shariatmadari as labor minister has sparked an outcry on social media, as lawmakers were very recently moving to impeach him as minister of industry.

Iran

Iranian actors take center stage against US sanctions

Iranian artists, particularly those in the film industry, have launched two separate campaigns against the US sanctions, saying the measures will hit the vulnerable and sick.

Iran

Who scored when Iran hand-selected women for historic soccer audience?

For some Iranians, the visible female audience at a recent soccer match at Tehran's Azadi stadium was a meaningful win in a long war over allowing women to attend public soccer matches, but others are frustrated at what they consider a publicity stunt.

Iran