US pushes for Plan B in Syria

Facing the collapse of a US-backed de-escalation zone in Syria’s southwest, the Donald Trump administration is split on plans to counter thousands of Iranian troops in the war-torn country.

Syria

Iran's national team sees popularity boost, but not just because of World Cup

The siege mentality that is re-emerging with the return of US sanctions appears to have acted to rally Iranians around the national soccer squad.

Iran

Iranian hard-liners smell blood as Rouhani under fire over economy

Iranian hard-liners continue to maneuver to not just undermine but wholly get rid of moderate President Hassan Rouhani.

Iran

Rouhani urges Iran’s factions to unite against US pressure

Facing mounting economic pressure, President Hassan Rouhani urged Iran’s various factions to put differences aside and work together.

United States

Israel’s nuclear ambiguity policy blocks diplomatic process

There is little hope for peace in the Middle East as long as Israel insists on its ambiguous nuclear policy and refuses to sign disarmament agreements.

Israel

Child abuse case brings outrage, but no change in Iran

Just a month after a high-profile child molestation case shook Iran, the outrage has died down and very little is being done to prevent future abuse.

Iran

Iran's car market engulfed in growing economic crisis

Crisis conditions bite into Iran’s car market, with customers forced to shell out higher prices for both foreign and domestically made vehicles.

Iran

Iran’s youngest minister becoming symbol of transparency drive

Iran’s youngest minister has received widespread praise for his “courageous” transparency campaign after revealing a list of allegedly fraudulent cellphone importers.

Iran

Ankara vows to ignore Iran sanctions

Turkey and the United States are entering a new stage of strained relations as newly re-elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, flush with power, disregards renewed sanctions on Iran.

Turkey

Why is Israel propping up Hamas in Gaza?

Israel is implementing a concerted policy of keeping Hamas in power on its southern border so it can focus its energies on threats from the north, especially the Iranian presence in Syria.

Palestine

How Iran dropped dual exchange rates but ended up with four

While the Rouhani administration is taking steps toward stabilizing the rial, its rate unification policy has in effect resulted in a multi-tiered exchange rate regime.

Iran

Amid economic woes, soccer team performance rallies Iranians around flag

Iran’s national soccer team made history in the World Cup by tying Portugal and defeating Morocco, injecting hope and reviving pride in the midst of economic turmoil.

Iran