Trump retreats from Hormuz 20% fee plan in pivot to Gulf investment deals The shift comes barely 24 hours after Trump declared the United States would become the "guardian" of the strategic waterway and seek compensation for protecting all cargo passing through it. Iran
Oil prices climb to $85 as US-Iran attacks intensify, Hormuz traffic stalls Brent crude traded at $85.02 a barrel at 11:44 a.m. EDT, up 2.06% from Monday's close after reaching $87.39 earlier on Tuesday. Iran
Analysis As Trump prioritizes Hormuz, Israel fears Iran rebuilding nuclear program while preserving ballistic missile threat Israel is worried that the United States is centering the Strait of Hormuz, deprioritizing the threat of a nuclear Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis 'The word belongs to the battlefield': Why Iran, US are drifting back to conflict Iran no longer seeks a return to the prewar status quo, insisting that any future negotiations begin with the new regional balance created by the conflict rather than seek to restore the old one. By Ali Hashem In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran strikes tankers, US bases as Gulf conflict escalates By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Dubai's Princess Latifa says she's being held hostage In a series of secret video recordings, Sheikha Latifa says she is worried about her safety and is being held in a villa "converted into a jail." Iran
Rouhani renews Iran’s pledge not to pursue nuclear arms The statement appeared as a correction of comments by Iran’s intelligence minister, which have fueled worries that Tehran could be developing nuclear arms. Iran
Iran's supreme leader demands US action, not talk on nuclear deal As the new administration tries to revive diplomacy with Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that "words and promises are no good." United States
Iran denies involvement in Erbil rocket strike The Iranian Foreign Ministry said attempts to blame Tehran for the attack are "suspicious." Iraq
Israel's ambassador says not interested in working with US on return to Iran deal The Biden administration has pledged to consult with Israel and other allies before making any moves to join the landmark nuclear deal. Israel
How Turkey became unsafe haven for dissidents While Ankara requests the most renditions of any country, its own borders remain extremely porous, its security personnel vulnerable to corruption and its territory a playground for foreign intelligence services. Turkey
European powers blast Iran's uranium metal production France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn Iran's move as one that would undermine the nuclear agreement. Iran
Israel campaigns against the US rushing to negotiate with Iran A report issued by the Israel Defense Forces about Iran two years away from a nuclear bomb was designed first and foremost to calm the American sense of urgency over negotiating with Tehran. Israel
Iran, India discuss upgrade in strategic ties New Delhi and Tehran are resetting strategic relations, "fast-tracking" transit trade opportunities and building on commonalities. Iran
Iran holds military drill in southwest Khuzestan province has a presence of Arab separatist groups and is strategically located near Iraq and the Persian Gulf. Iran
In letter to Putin, Khamenei says Iran 'will not wait' Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a personal note about the nuclear deal and strengthening ties. Russia
Pandemic forces Iran to cancel mass marches for revolution anniversary Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Iran’s state-organized marches marking the anniversary of its 1979 revolution had to be reduced to vehicle parades. Yet Iranian officials found their own ways to address tensions with the West. Iran