Analysis As Trump confirms US-Iran meeting, can Pezeshkian find at UN path to a deal? In New York, Pezeshkian will be seeking leverage, not reconciliation, as Iran scrambles to balance military defiance, economic crises and tentative mediation against the costs of prolonging the conflict. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Explainer Turkish carriers halt Iran flights as US sanctions bite: Who could follow? On Monday, three major Turkish carriers canceled flights to and from Iran ahead of new US sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector. Iran
Iran seizes assets of 394 people accused of spying for 'hostile enemy' The crackdown comes amid heightened tensions in the region as the US and Iran trade threats. Iran
Analysis Why Netanyahu is distancing himself from Trump ahead of Israeli election No meeting has been announced between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit in New York. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hezbollah's pick for president of Lebanon It seems Hezbollah is not giving up on Christian parliament member Michel Aoun’s candidacy for the Lebanese presidential elections, especially since Aoun now has the support of another major Christian leader in Lebanon, Samir Geagea. Saudi Arabia
Congress eyes Syrian refugee threat — from Canada A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 1. Israel
Should armed groups allied with al-Qaeda be included in Syria peace talks? Our answer is no; Erekat’s “main priority is not to allow IS to raise its flag in Palestine”; Turkey responds to Biden with fake news. Palestine
Will sanctions prompt Iran to boost missile program? Washington’s imposition of new missile sanctions on Iran a mere day after the implementation of the nuclear deal appears to have caused a backlash. Congress
Will Iranians be able to increase voter turnout in the next election? Even though Iran's Reformist movement suffered a huge setback during the election qualification process, Reformist leaders are encouraging members to cast their votes. Iran
Iranians launch boycott of Saudi businesses Following Saudi Arabia’s move to cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Iran, some Iranians have joined forces to launch a campaign against Saudi firms in the country — but is the boycott having any impact? Saudi Arabia
Democrats launch Iran deal offensive Pro-deal senators are touting Iran's denuclearization amid continued Republican pushback. Iran
Iran is spending more money on culture, but where's the accountability? In Iran, President Hassan Rouhani is moving to increase spending allocated to administration-controlled cultural entities. Yet a vast portion of cultural spending continues to go to organizations that are not held accountable. Iran
Rome's nude cover-up remains mystery At a press conference in Italy, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani addressed the controversy over two nude statues covered in boxes. Iran
Will Iran deal mean more money for Hamas? Now that sanctions have been lifted against Iran, Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza are waiting to see if Iran will restore or perhaps increase its military and financial support. Palestine
Why Israel needs Turkey now more than ever Israel and Turkey are strengthening their relations as both keep a wary eye on Iran's outreach to the world and regional countries. Israel
Is Iran deal gateway to Israeli-Palestinian peace? J Street aims to put $3 million behind pro-diplomacy lawmakers in 2016 election cycle. Palestine