Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know President Donald Trump was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, who was seen as close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate put forward by Iraq’s leading Shiite bloc. Iraq
Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies As the Hormuz standoff intensifies, Trump must choose between military escalation, a limited diplomatic deal, or continuing a pressure campaign against Iran. Iran
In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US. Iran
Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates President Donald Trump spoke by phone separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Iran and the possibility of extending the ceasefire. United States
Analysis How long can Iran's economy withstand Trump's naval blockade? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
US troops in Syria, Iraq targeted with renewed rocket and drone attacks Iran-backed militias are not buying the Pentagon's attempt to rebrand the coalition's defeat-ISIS mission. Iraq
Soleimani's replacement vows revenge for his killing The replacement for assassinated Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani has vowed revenge on US officials who were behind the killing. Iran
US coalition in Iraq halts second drone attack in two days Coalition forces in Syria also hit back in response to rocket fire near al-Omar oilfield. Iraq
Drones shot down in Baghdad on Soleimani death anniversary The thwarted attack came on the second anniversary of the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
Iran commemorates anniversary of Soleimani’s death Iranians marked the two-year anniversary of the death of former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, vowing to "exact revenge." Iran
Iran says Vienna talks on ‘good path’ Iranian media and officials have expressed optimism over the latest round of nuclear talks. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran vows to blow up Israel's Dimona first if war breaks out After striking a mockup model of the Israeli nuclear facility with ballistic missiles in a recent war game, Iran said the site will be a prime target in any potential war with Israel. Iran
US Navy seizes thousands of guns bound for Yemen’s Houthis The US military said the boat, which was carrying the AK-47 cache, came from Iran. News Brief
UK warplane shoots down 'hostile' drone near US base in Syria The latest drone incursion comes as indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran are on thin ice. Syria
Iran says UK in 'discussions' over paying decades-old debt Iran's Ambassador to the US Mohsen Baharvand said a British delegation had discussed its imprisoned nationals during a recent visit to Tehran. Iran
Intel: US, Israel float military option as Iran nuclear talks sputter Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met at the Pentagon to discuss Iran's nuclear program, and the possibility of a military response if negotiations continue to stall. Iran
Iraq announces end to US-led combat role with no fanfare The defeat-IS coalition will continue its advisory mission into next year, despite a declared end to a combat role. Iraq
