Iran war to cost US $37.5B by end of September, Hegseth tells Senate Pentagon’s conservative estimate includes military pay and "operations and maintenance" costs, but does not factor in damage to military bases in the region. Iran
Interview PJAK leader mocks Iran’s claim Turkey spiked US Kurdish-backed regime change plan The PJAK co-leader says he does not believe Washington or Israel would abandon a strategic objective as significant as toppling Iran's government because of Turkish objections. Siamand Moeini PJAK Executive Council Member
Analysis Israel draws line on Houthi attacks, hopes for Trump strike on Pickaxe Mountain From the perspective of the Israeli military and some politicians, the current situation of the US striking at Iran and Israel staying out of the conflict is ideal. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran steps up Gulf attacks after 10 nights of US strikes Lebanese military deploys in south; Turkey's role in thwarting Kurdish offensive; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iranians furious over rumors of 70% increase in MP salaries Rumors of an impending 70% increase in Iranian parliament members' salaries have angered the public and media. Iran
Iran's Soleimani sends message of defiance in calls to Hamas In the aftermath of the US president's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the head of the Quds Force called the leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad to affirm Iran's ongoing political and military support. Palestine
Republican dig at Iran deal jeopardizes effort to keep government open Congressional efforts to ban future purchases of heavy water from Iran could complicate efforts to avoid a government shutdown. Congress
Iran wakes up to HIV/AIDS epidemic among expectant mothers The Iranian government is trying to combat the spread of an HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country, especially among pregnant women, but much work remains to be done. Iran
Ahmadinejad and Iran’s judiciary chief trade accusations Verbal clashes between former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and conservative judiciary chief Sadegh Amoli Ayatollah Larijani are reaching new heights. Iran
Iraq's PMU leaders 'resign' in preparation for elections Several leaders in Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units have signaled that they are handing over control of their factions to the central government as they prepare to run in next year's elections, but some argue they will maintain their influence. Iraq
Hezbollah, Iran, Hamas seek new strategy for resistance Hamas is moving closer to Iran and Hezbollah, as the "axis of resistance" shifts priorities now that the Syrian war is winding down. Palestine
Trump national security strategy doubles down on Iran The US president’s first national security strategy outlines the White House’s growing campaign to turn the screws on Iran. United States
Will Iran, Russia find solution to Caspian dilemma? Russian talk of progress aside, Iran and other Caspian Sea states appear locked in a dispute over the world’s largest inland lake. Russia
Iran calls Haley's missile claim 'ridiculous' Iranian officials view UN Ambassador Nikki Haley’s speech accusing Tehran of sending missiles to the Houthis in Yemen as politically motivated. Saudi Arabia
Houthis broach talks after Saleh slain, but war continues Yemen's civil war demonstrates that despotism leads to more of the same, no matter who's in power. Saudi Arabia
Is Trump’s Jerusalem decision winner for Iran? Islamic Jihad gains momentum in the Gaza Strip, US-Jordan relations are shaken, US-Turkey relations worsen and Iran reaps the benefits without lifting a finger. Palestine