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
Archive Upfront from Nov 14, 2016 Trump Cabinet picks could signal fate of US Mideast policy The fate of the Iran deal and other pressing foreign policy issues may rest with who Donald Trump chooses to advise him and serve in his Cabinet. United States
Why Israel's right has its doubts about Trump The euphoria that swept the Israeli right following Donald Trump’s electoral victory is swiftly fading as the world begins the tense wait to learn whether his campaign promises will become realities. Israel
Should Iran fear a Trump presidency? New US sanctions could end up isolating Washington, not Tehran, as Iran gains ground in the region; Obama’s decision to target Jabhat al-Nusra leaders could lead to breakthrough on Aleppo. Syria
How Kurdish hopes became Turkey's fears The regionalization of the Kurdish problem was the main factor blowing up the peace process in Turkey, and any return to the negotiating table now depends on developments in the Middle East. Turkey
Turkey insists on exclusion of Kurdish forces from Raqqa battle Washington prefers to work with the Kurds to oust the Islamic State from Raqqa, but it still wants to keep Turkey involved. Syria
Will state of Palestine be Obama's legacy? Some observers are urging that President Barack Obama allow a vote in favor of recognizing the state of Palestine at the UN Security Council before leaving office. Palestine
Archive Upfront from Nov 11, 2016 What Netanyahu wants from Trump Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already started preparing his first meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in order to persuade him to embrace his two-state rejectionist position. Israel
House rushes to block Boeing sales to Iran The Rules Committee will set up floor action on the measure on Monday. Congress
Why Egypt's Sisi welcomes Trump win While Egypt's president and his supporters have welcomed the election of Donald Trump, the country's liberals and pro-democracy activists aren't as pleased. Egypt
Could Trump’s victory become opportunity for Iran? Iranian commentators and political analysts view Trump’s victory with caution and doubt in regard to its implications for the international order. United States
Middle East will quickly teach Trump rules of the game As US president, Donald Trump will have little option but to engage in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and when he does, judiciously. Palestine
Is this the beginning of the end for the Iran deal? Proponents of the nuclear pact fear the worst under a Trump administration. United States