Iran's hard-liners urge retaliation against UK seizure of supertanker

After the seizure of a Syria-bound Iranian oil tanker by British Royal Marines off the coast of Gibraltar, Iran's hard-liners are pressing the Rouhani government to drop diplomatic efforts and instead "respond in kind" by holding UK vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Syria

Iran grants additional visas to Iraqis to boost its economy

In order to overcome US sanctions and boost its economy, Iran is increasing tourist visas to Iraqis.

Iraq

Trump, Macron talk Iran as French envoy heads to Tehran to try to defuse crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron mediates to try to defuse Iran crisis.

United States

Can Iran turn its faltering housing sector around?

There are several state initiatives at work aimed at improving housing affordability, but saving Iran’s ailing housing sector will require time and private sector participation.

Iran

Iran raises nuclear enrichment to 4.5%

Iran officially announced it has taken its second step in reducing nuclear commitments and warned that unless the others fulfill their side of the nuclear deal, Iran would take the third step as well.

United States

Anniversary of Iran Air 655 tragedy offers lessons for US-Iran diplomacy today

Iran Air 655’s bitter legacy; Iraq as front line; Iran should talk … but it needs off-ramps.

United States

Shiite militias react angrily to decree integrating them into Iraqi forces

Pro-Iran Shiite militias in Iraq reacted with displeasure to the prime minister's decree to integrate the Popular Mobilization Units into the Iraqi military forces, but the majority of the PMU are pledging allegiance to Baghdad.

Iraq

Palestinian Authority woos Iraq, says Iran is no enemy

Nabil Shaath, an adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, traveled to Iraq to galvanize Baghdad's support for the Palestinian cause and perhaps make new connections with Iran along the way.

Bahrain

Houthis taking battle to Saudis with upgraded weapons cache

It's unclear whether Iran is providing weapons to the Houthis in Yemen, but whatever the source, the rebels are making good use of bomb-laden drones and even missiles.

Saudi Arabia

Iran's president warns of increased enrichment but says measures reversible

Amid near-zero progress between Tehran and the European signatories to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, President Hassan Rouhani is sounding the alarm that reinstatement of uranium enrichment at pre-deal levels is only a few days away.

United States

Iraq throws Turkey curveball in bilateral trade

Baghdad’s recent restrictions on imported goods have badly bruised Turkey’s food exporters, calling into question the target of $20 billion in bilateral trade.

Iraq

Is Iran bargaining chip for Russia in relations with the US?

Russia has a lot less incentives to bargain over Iran than the United States believes.

Russia