Analysis How Netanyahu could attack Iran to force Israel into unity government after elections While a strike against Iran before the Oct. 27 elections appears unlikely, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could launch one immediately afterward to pressure his rivals into joining a wartime unity government. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says The US envoy said that direct US military intervention on the ground against the Houthis would be "fruitless." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Iran and Gaza: Why Trump's backing of Netanyahu may come with strings attached Netanyahu could offer Trump several concessions: hold off on striking Iran until after the Nov. 3 US midterms, ease restrictions on Gaza’s reconstruction or crack down on settler violence in the West Bank. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lavrov visits Tehran as Trump praises Russia's role on Iran: What to know During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed Moscow’s offer to mediate between Tehran and Washington. Iran
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Why is Europe underplaying its hand on Iran? In a twist, Washington appears more aware of Europe’s ability to impact US sanctions on Iran than Europeans themselves. United States
Trump says he's ready to meet Iran 'anytime' US President Donald Trump said Monday that he’d be willing to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani anytime Iran wants, without any preconditions. United States
Washington ratchets up sanctions threats against Turkey President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions on the same day the Senate advanced a bill restricting Turkey’s access to financial assistance. Turkey
Iran's Soleimani continues war of words with Trump The head of Iran’s Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, responded to President Donald Trump’s tweet threatening Iran. Yemen
More fire and fury: Trump, Pompeo offer mixed messages on Iran Iranian Americans are unsure whether the Donald Trump administration intends to press for regime change in Iran or pursue eventual diplomatic outreach. United States
Rouhani, Trump in a war of words A war of words erupted between the Iranian and American presidents, signaling an increase in tensions and unleashing recriminations. United States
The art of the deal in Helsinki – the next chapter More than 11% of internally displaced people have returned to areas retaken by Syrian government forces this year. Syria
Moscow steadily promoting its 'Helsinki agenda' in Syria Following the Helsinki summit, Russia is working to deliver what each party is expecting from it: security to Israel, cooperation with Iran and engagement with the West. Syria
Pompeo, Haley try to regroup after Helsinki In the wake of Helsinki summit, there are signs of a growing chasm between President Donald Trump and his Cabinet chiefs trying to implement US policies toward the Middle East. Syria
Congress calls on Trump to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan After President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, congressional Republicans are rallying around the Netanyahu government’s next big ask. Palestine
Price tag for Trump’s $250,000 Jerusalem embassy is in – at $21.5 million Federal documents reviewed by Al-Monitor show upgrades to the temporary facility in Arnona will cost far more than the president said. Israel
Congress wants VOA to take hard line on Iran Accusing US-funded media like Voice of America of being too soft on Iran, Congress and the Donald Trump administration seek to exert more control over its Persian-language news services. Congress
