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
Pence endorses controversial Iranian opposition group Former US Vice President Mike Pence spoke at event held by Mujahedeen-e Khalq, which is widely described as a cult. News Brief
US unveils sanctions targeting Iran's drone program The Treasury Department issued fresh sanctions on Friday targeting individuals and companies the United States says are supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ drone program. Iran
US envoy: 'Other tools' available if Iran nuclear diplomacy fails Robert Malley said the US and its allies feel a "shared impatience" with Iran's delay in returning to the bargaining table. Iran
US base in Syria hit in suspected drone attack The remote Tanf outpost has been quiet for years, but Iran's pinprick provocations may once again be targeting the base, which plays a key role in Washington’s effort to obstruct Tehran's influence. Syria
Intel: Israel sees bad faith in Iran’s delay to return to nuclear talks Israeli officials see diminishing prospects for a return to the 2015 nuclear deal, even if Iran sends negotiators back to Vienna. Iran
US envoy headed to Gulf to discuss ‘options’ on Iran’s nuclear program With the Vienna talks stalled, US officials are warning that they have other ways to rein in Iran's nuclear enrichment. Iran
Iran kicks off air defense drills amid tensions with Israel, Azerbaijan The exercise comes as Israeli officials are reportedly seeking assurances that the Biden administration is ready for joint operations should nuclear negotiations in Vienna fail. Iran
Israel, US gloss over differences on Iran, but frictions remain US-Israel strategic dialogue finds few points of agreement on Iran's nuclear capability; Iraq looks forward to smooth, transparent election. Iran
Intel: US lifts Iran-related sanctions, says no connection to nuclear deal The US Treasury Department has delisted Iran-based entities sanctioned by the Trump administration for alleged involvement in Iran’s ballistic missile program. Iran
Iranian state TV claims boats chased US Navy ship The US' Fifth Fleet said it was unaware of any such incident. Iran
IDF vows to continue striking Iran’s nuclear program IDF chief of staff responds to Iran's demand that Israel's attacks on nuclear sites stop if UN wants full inspection access to resume. Israel
Azerbaijan weighs buying Israeli Arrow-3 missile amid Iran tensions Iran's posturing could further cement Baku's defense ties with Israel. Israel
