Can Bahrain count on Moscow to fill Washington’s shoes?

As Bahrain seeks closer ties with Russia, other Arab countries have their doubts about the relationship, yet they recognize Moscow’s growing role in the region amid Washington’s receding influence.

Saudi Arabia

5 reasons Rouhani may not win second term

With only one year left of Hassan Rouhani's first term, hard-liners are stepping up efforts to make him the first Iranian president not to be re-elected for a second term.

Iran

Congress weighs restrictions on Boeing sales to Iran

A number of Democrats appear willing to join Republicans in setting conditions on aircraft sales to the Islamic Republic.

Congress

Khamenei shakes up Iran's armed forces

With three major changes in Iran's armed forces, including chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, Iranian media is speculating that regional developments have required a shift in strategy.

Iran

Are Iran, West on collision course over missiles?

As Iran makes strides in the development of navigation, guidance and missile systems, the West should consider why Tehran is making such a push.

Legacy: Gulf

Khamenei says Iran has not intervened in Bahrain

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran has not intervened in Bahrain and encouraged the island state's leaders to act wisely in order to not turn a political conflict into a civil war.

Saudi Arabia

How nuclear deal has cooled Iran-US cyberwar

Once-threatening cyberattacks between the United States and Iran appear to have slowed since the countries reached a nuclear pact.

United States

Iran mourns its greatest filmmaker

Even the conservative media outlets that once criticized Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami are now lamenting the loss of a national treasure.

Iran

Does Iran need to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has not moved to bring in Iran, though the international sanctions the organization said precluded it have been lifted.

Russia

Erdogan’s latest wake-up call on Islamic State

The Obama administration weighs deeper coordination with Moscow against Jabhat al-Nusra; Erdogan’s slow turnaround on Syria policy; Hamas seeks to resume ties with Iran.

Palestine

Iranian student confronts Khamenei over treatment of critics

University student Mohammad Ali Kamfirouzi questioned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on how the country should deal with those who voice criticism of the government.

Iran

Will leaked payslips scandal bring down Rouhani?

Iranians are more outraged by the day over revelations of exorbitant pay for executives at state-controlled banks and insurance firms as the fallout from their leaked payslips continues.

Iran