Analysis Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order? Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How Iran's campaign against US bases is forging a new Gulf defense network Iran's targeting of Gulf states is fueling a regional security architecture designed to counter the Islamic Republic. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Business & Tech Oil rises amid renewed US-Iran fighting By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Pakistan hopes to ease hostility between Iran, Saudis Traveling between Riyadh and Tehran, Pakistan’s prime minister is trying to diplomatically defuse the highly charged situation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Behind Egypt's gift to Islamic Jihad Egypt has freed some 80 Islamic Jihad prisoners as a goodwill gesture in an effort to bring about an extended calm in Gaza and by extension prevent a conflagration in the Sinai Peninsula. Palestine
PA seeks warmer ties with Saudi Arabia Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Saudi Arabia for the first time in months, reflecting warmer relations between the two countries. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu discovers hospitality has its limits Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to ingratiate himself at both the White House and the Kremlin, but now finds himself home alone. Palestine
Pompeo visit fails to reassure Israel on Syria, Iran The meeting of US secretary of State Mike Pompeo with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not reassure Jerusalem over developments in Syria and Iran. Israel
Pentagon turns to irregular tactics to counter Iran The Pentagon is trying to put the finishing touches on a plan to use irregular warfare tactics to temper Iran’s military escalation in the Middle East, Al-Monitor has learned. United States
Arrest of Telegram channel operator surprises Iranians The operator of a popular dissident Telegram channel was in Iraq when he was apprehended and handed to Iran, according to BBC Persian. Iran
Angry protests, empty seats overshadow Rouhani speech Leaders of several student unions walked out of a commencement speech by President Hassan Rouhani after they were barred from the podium. Iran
Iran's Central Bank chief speaks out on currency plunge, $15 billion French credit line Iranian Central Bank governor Abdulnaser Hemmati speaks in-depth about the re-imposition of US sanctions on his country, the unprecedented plunge of the rial and more. Iran
Putin goes for broke to negotiate Turkey cease-fire US withdrawal created some opportunites for Russia but also had it face new challenges with Turkey. Syria
Majority of Iranians now want to quit nuclear deal A new poll shows that Iranian public support has decreased significantly for the JCPOA, and three-quarters of those polled indicate that they only support restarting negotiations with the United States if sanctions are lifted first. United States
Rouhani calls US sanctions on Iran 'crime against humanity' Iran's president has slammed the US economic sanctions on food and medical supplies for Iran but promised that Tehran will defeat Washington in the "economic war." United States