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
Iran-Iraq relations in light of US sanctions Rather than undermine ties between Iran and Iraq, the Trump administration’s reimposition of sanctions is compelling Iran to deepen ties with its western neighbor. Iraq
How Saudi Arabia, Qatar are competing over Iraq As the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Qatar continues, each country seeks influence in Iraq in order to expand its economic and political power in the region. Saudi Arabia
Trump reignites Iranian rage with 'terrorist nation' diatribe Despite political differences, many Iranians are coming together to lash out at US President Donald Trump after he called Iran "a terrorist nation." Iran
Iranian pension funds on brink absent major reforms Iran’s main pension funds appear to be in dire need of prompt reform in order to survive without government bailouts. Iran
Iran factory workers demand wages as strike enters 16th day Demands by striking workers at a troubled sugar plant in Iran's southwest remain unfulfilled, with several protest leaders being kept in police custody. Iran
With rising US pressure, Iran worries about losing ground in Iraq Iran is worried about losing influence in Iraq after the reimposition of US sanctions on Iran and because of US pressure on Iraq to distance itself from Iran. Iraq
Iran turns to pragmatism as Israel woos Oman While Iran is unlikely to have been happy about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Oman, it has tried to remain pragmatic in order to prevent tensions with a longstanding Arab friend. Saudi Arabia
Iran, Iraq look to expand economic ties amid US sanctions Despite US sanctions, Iranian and Iraqi officials hope to increase economic ties. Iraq
Hard-liners face backlash in Iranian holy city in wake of 'insulting' open letter A senior hard-line cleric’s sniping at a grand ayatollah for meeting with Reformists has sparked a backlash that is revealing the depth of clerical opposition to radical conservatives. Iran
Outrage in Iran over reassignment of 'corrupt' minister The Iranian Parliament’s quick confirmation of Mohammad Shariatmadari as labor minister has sparked an outcry on social media, as lawmakers were very recently moving to impeach him as minister of industry. Iran
Iranian actors take center stage against US sanctions Iranian artists, particularly those in the film industry, have launched two separate campaigns against the US sanctions, saying the measures will hit the vulnerable and sick. Iran