Iran’s debt market emerges as key to economic future

The Iranian debt market has emerged as a key venue — and battleground — for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's administration to realize its economic aims.

Iran

Shock suspension of Iranian hard-line daily over headline

Kayhan, the mouthpiece of Iran’s hard-liners, has been suspended for two days after a headline suggesting that Yemen’s Houthi movement will attack Dubai.

Saudi Arabia

Russia, Oman size each other up as potential Mideast allies

Despite a challenging history, Russia finds common ground with Oman, which sometimes seems the "odd man out" in the Gulf.

Oman

EU push to save Iran deal gets frosty reception on Capitol Hill

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini faced a tough audience with Republicans threatening new sanctions on Iran.

Congress

Controversy in Iran over headline targeting Dubai

A headline perceived as belligerent sparks a broad backlash against the hard-line Iranian daily Kayhan.

Saudi Arabia

The other Iranians fighting in Iraq

While much focus was on Iranian fighters among the Iraqi forces that retook disputed areas in October, other Iranian fighters played a key role in the other side of the fight.

Iraq

Upcoming Putin, Trump talks should prove interesting

What is the agenda for the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin? Trump wants to talk North Korea, but Moscow is seeking a broader, more in-depth conversation on the Middle East.

Syria

IRGC commander denies Trump claim on Saudi missile attack

IRGC commander Mohammad Ali Jafari denied that Iran was involved in the Yemeni missile attack on Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia

After Hariri’s resignation, what’s next for Lebanon?

Saad Hariri, in Saudi Arabia, resigns as Lebanon's prime minister, leaving observers to wonder why and speculate about Lebanon's future.

Saudi Arabia

Putin, Khamenei agree they need each other

Iran and Russia deepen energy cooperation; Iran has Hezbollah’s back; does the CIA have a back channel to Assad?

Iraq

How Iran can address its informal economy

Without massive reforms involving all three branches of government, Iran's ability to formalize vast swathes of its economy will remain a pipe dream.

Iran

Iran’s Khamenei has three main messages for Putin at summit

Tehran wants to strengthen existing ties with Russia and develop new areas of cooperation while isolating the United States at the same time.

Syria