Iran war to cost US $37.5B by end of September, Hegseth tells Senate Pentagon’s conservative estimate includes military pay and "operations and maintenance" costs, but does not factor in damage to military bases in the region. Iran
Interview PJAK leader mocks Iran’s claim Turkey spiked US Kurdish-backed regime change plan The PJAK co-leader says he does not believe Washington or Israel would abandon a strategic objective as significant as toppling Iran's government because of Turkish objections. Siamand Moeini PJAK Executive Council Member
Analysis Israel draws line on Houthi attacks, hopes for Trump strike on Pickaxe Mountain From the perspective of the Israeli military and some politicians, the current situation of the US striking at Iran and Israel staying out of the conflict is ideal. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran steps up Gulf attacks after 10 nights of US strikes Lebanese military deploys in south; Turkey's role in thwarting Kurdish offensive; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Will bill to protect Iranian whistleblowers really expose corruption? While some Iranian lawmakers’ efforts to help whistleblowers expose corruption should be welcomed, such initiatives are not likely to achieve their stated goals as long as a comprehensive strategy is not defined and implemented. Iran
Debate already heating up in Iran as Sanders runs for US president The announcement by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders that he will again run for US president is already triggering a heated debate in Iran over the future of Tehran-Washington ties. Iran
True stories of terror stun critics at Iranian film festival Movies about terrorist groups and crime won several awards and stole the spotlight in Iran's oldest film festival. Iran
Turkey may help Moscow with Afghan negotiations Russia is increasing its mediation efforts in Afghanistan as the United States plans its exit. Turkey
Iran’s central bank under pressure to print money, weaken rial To cover the budget deficit, Iran’s lawmakers are seeking to force the central bank to print money. If they are successful, they will likely end up making life more difficult for average Iranians. Iran
Iran's hard-line MPs launch fresh drive to impeach Rouhani A group of ultraconservative Iranian lawmakers is robustly lobbying to gather support from colleagues to unseat President Hassan Rouhani over his perceived mismanagement of the country's ailing economy. Iran
Zarif’s defense of Iran's missile program draws praise on social media Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made a splash on social media with his defense of his country’s missile program and other policies at the Munich Security Conference. Iran
Jordanians see Israel as only winner at Warsaw summit While Jordan doesn't want to align itself too closely with Washington's anti-Iran coalition, the kingdom's reliance on Washington for aid was likely behind its attendance at the Poland summit. Palestine
Why Iran’s service startups scream for workers despite jobs crisis Despite a national jobs crisis, Iran’s online service providers are finding it hard to hire staff on account of a combination of old mentalities toward employment and the novelties of new working conditions. Iran
Veteran peace hands see growing Israeli-Arab alignment in Warsaw While the Palestinians boycotted the meeting in Poland, a number of Arab delegates showed an interest in engaging with US plans for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey fails to win green light for safe zone at Syria summit Iran and Russia’s leaders tell President Recep Tayyip Erdogan he must acquire consent from Damascus to launch an offensive in northeast Syria against Kurdish forces. Syria