Analysis

Why Trump’s Venezuela playbook could face hard reality in Iran

On Wednesday, Trump said an armada larger than the one sent to Venezuela is heading toward Iran and “like with Venezuela,” it is ready to employ force if necessary.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Oil climbs above $70 a barrel, hitting five-month high on Iran tensions

At 9:30 a.m. ET, Brent crude futures reached $70.44, the highest level since Aug. 1, 2025.

Iran

Iran FM heads to Turkey in last-ditch effort to avoid US escalation

Ankara is stepping up efforts to ease Iran-US tensions, as Turkey's top diplomat meets with a US envoy ahead of the Iranian foreign minister's Friday visit to Turkey.

Turkey

European Union adds IRGC to terror list, expands sanctions

As the extent of the killing of protests is gradually revealed, the European Union has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

Iran

Feature

Trump’s Iran threats deepen fears over detained Americans

The US military buildup could serve as powerful leverage for the administration to press for the release of Americans detained in Iran.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Iranian officials vow 'harsh' response as Trump threatens action: What to know

Iranian officials signaled openness to a nuclear deal but warned they would retaliate against any US military strike.

Iran

EU nears terror listing of Iran’s IRGC as France, Spain flip: What to know

France and Spain had previously opposed the designation of the IRGC, arguing that the move could curtail any chance of dialogue with Tehran.

Iran

Rubio says 'thousands' killed in Iran, US prepping for threats against personnel

The top American diplomat’s comments follow US President Donald Trump saying an “armada” is heading toward Iran.

Iran

Turkey arrests 6 in alleged Iran IRGC spy plot involving armed drones

Turkish authorities arrested six people accused of spying for Tehran, as Ankara works on plans to contain security risks and refugee fallout from potential US strikes on Iran.

Turkey

Newsletter: Gulf

Iran-US row puts Gulf at risk

Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar have intensified quiet diplomacy to discourage US military action, pairing it with stepped-up security coordination.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Iran internet blackout estimated to cost $37M+ daily, crippling businesses and society

The ongoing digital disconnection is severely stalling commerce, draining millions of dollars daily and pushing many businesses toward collapse.

Iran

Analysis

As Trump weighs Iran diplomacy, Israel uneasy but could accept deal

Despite the United States deploying significant naval forces to the region, Israel regrets a strike against Iran was not carried out two weeks ago.

By Ben Caspit

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