US exit from nuclear deal driving Russia, Iran closer

Moscow and Tehran are willing to tackle multiple challenges to improve their business dealings despite US sanctions.

Russia

Iraqi Kurds look to open new chapter with Iran

The Iraqi Kurdish leadership forges ahead with efforts to improve ties with Iran, both in hopes of reviving their economy and also to regain lost clout in Baghdad.

Iraq

Iranian media react to populist cleric's victory in Iraq elections

There is some speculation in Iranian media that populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s election victory is tantamount to a greater Saudi role in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia

Israel’s blurred red line of self-defense

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu uses the excuse of self-defense to target other regimes and to make a mockery of decisions by the international community.

Palestine

What's next in Israel-Palestinian conflict?

With Israel riding high after a series of political and military victories, and the Palestinians having suffered 60 deaths on the Gaza border at the hands of the IDF, observers wonder what's next for the leaderships on both sides.

Palestine

Violence taints election in Iraq's Kurdistan region

Several cities in Iraq's Kurdistan region witnessed violence following recent parliamentary elections on May 12, leading to calls from Kurdish opposition parties for the results to be canceled.

Iraq

How Iran and Europe can save the nuclear deal

To protect the nuclear deal from collapse, Iran and the E3+2 must define and implement a workable framework for protecting future trade and investments.

Iran

Rouhani administration fights back against nuclear deal critics

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will begin talks with Europe after visiting China and Russia in order to keep the nuclear deal alive after the US exit.

Iran

Putin’s stock rises as 'go-to' mediator between Israel, Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have given Russian president advance notice of attack on Syria; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labels United States as loser in decision to withdraw from Iran nuclear deal.

Israel

Iranian oil exports set to continue under US sanctions

While the US reimposition of sanctions on Iran is not likely to majorly hit Iranian oil exports in the near term, it could have severe consequences for the country’s energy sector in the long term.

Iran

Will escalation in Iran-US tensions impact Syria conflict?

With tension between the United States and Iran rapidly increasing, northern and eastern Syria could witness an upsurge in proxy clashes between parties backed by each side.

Syria

Is Israel’s veteran political power couple making comeback?

Despite past quarrels, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman seem very close and coordinated on Iran, Syria and other issues.

Israel