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
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
US airstrikes target Iran's Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island American military forces launched their first strikes on the Iranian mainland in more than a month just days after the top US commander for the region said Iranian mines have been cleared from Hormuz shipping lanes. Iran
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis How Iran is readying for economic protests as Trump escalates pressure By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Former US envoy: Syria may be central to Trump-Netanyahu meeting US President Donald Trump has hinted at creating safe zones in Syria in a draft executive order and in conversations with the Saudi king, while the former US ambassador to Israel says Syria will likely be a "central topic" in Trump’s upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saudi Arabia
Saudis hopeful but wary about Trump Saudi Arabia is hopeful in regard to the Trump administration's views on Iran and closer counterterrorism and military cooperation, but remains wary on other policy issues. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey angry over Trump’s 'Muslim ban' Could the new US president’s executive order barring the citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States further undermine relations between Ankara and Washington? Turkey
French FM sends clear message to Trump from Tehran France’s foreign minister, during a two-day trip to Iran, emphasizes the importance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, while also saying France is studying the reports of a Jan. 29 Iranian missile test. United States
The real reason Erdoganists still love Trump despite 'Muslim ban' One wonders why all this persistent sympathy for US President Donald Trump exists in Turkey’s pro-Erdogan universe. There are two answers. Turkey
Russia rushes to fill possible void left by Trump in Middle East The Palestinian ambassador to Moscow tells Al-Monitor that Russia considers the Middle East its vital sphere of interest. Near East
Trump’s Middle East fans get caught up in global blowback Political leaders from Israel to Saudi Arabia are quickly finding out that siding with Trump comes at a price. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu's road to Iran runs through North Korea Israel fears that if North Korea continues to develop its nuclear arsenal, Iran will no longer agree to restraints on its nuclear program. Israel
Iranians react harshly to US visa ban Iranian officials and media react harshly to US President Donald Trump’s executive order to ban the entry of Iranian citizens to the United States. United States
British leader defends Iran deal in meetings with Republicans British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to urge Donald Trump not to mess with the nuclear deal after delivering the same message to congressional Republicans. Congress
How will Trump’s anti-Muslim Brotherhood inner circle view Qatar? While Qatar’s support for groups such as Hamas has caused tense ties with the United States in the past, Donald Trump’s presidency could create even more challenges for Qatar. Saudi Arabia
Iranian conservative, Reformist media jointly lash out at Trump’s planned visa ban Donald Trump’s reported decision to at least temporarily ban Iranians from entering the United States has angered Iranians, leading a prominent actress to boycott the upcoming Academy Awards. Meanwhile, Iranian media are warning the government to prepare for the new US administration’s other possibly punitive measures. United States