Will US sanctions succeed in isolating Iraqi Shiite factions?

As the United States intensifies its activities against Iran in the region, it has also increased pressure on Iraqi factions backed by Iran. Yet the influence that these factions have in Iraq limits the effects of such pressures.

Iraq

Is the Israeli-Russian honeymoon over?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turns to his close ally President Donald Trump, hoping that the US president can help Israel fix the crisis with Russia.

Israel

Bolton, Pompeo cheered at Iran conference near UN

After a lack of response from the UN, Trump officials take anti-Iran stance to private forum.

United States

Iran hard-liners warn Rouhani, Zarif to avoid Trump in New York

Iran's conservatives are keeping a close eye on President Hassan Rouhani's UN General Assembly visit, warning him not to engage with American officials.

United States

Powerful Shiite trio agrees on Iraqi prime minister candidate

A Beirut meetup of Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah and Iran's Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani appears to have produced a compromise candidate for Iraq's next prime minister.

Iraq

Congress takes aim at pro-Iran election winners in Iraq

US lawmakers are preparing sanctions as Tehran presses Baghdad to form a government friendly to its interests.

Iraq

Iranians divided on whether their leaders should talk to Trump

Iranians are divided in their view of how to respond to President Donald Trump’s offer of direct talks. While many see it as insincere, they nonetheless welcome it as an opportunity to beat the United States at its own game.

United States

Khamenei appears to point finger at IS for Ahvaz attack

Arab separatists walked back claims of their involvement in the Ahvaz terrorist attack after Iran summoned European countries for hosting them.

Iran

Iran's influence continues to shape new Iraqi government

After Iran succeeded in pushing through its preferred candidate for Iraq's parliament speaker, Tehran continued its pressure to secure the position of second deputy speaker, bringing the "score" to 2-0 against the US.

Iraq

Intimidation, persecution of Iranian lawyers won’t halt dissent

Iran's lawyers face tight restrictions and countless obstacles from the government, especially those who dare to work security and political cases.

Iran

Friction heats up between Russia, Israel over downed aircraft

Jerusalem is worried that the conflict with Moscow caused by the downing of a Russian jet in Syria will paralyze IDF activities and enable Iran to transfer arms to Hezbollah.

Israel

Damascus puts on elections while Russia is busy with geopolitics

While Moscow has been busy with the situation in Idlib, Damascus has held municipal elections, where its candidates won.

Syria