Iran's Soleimani sends message of defiance in calls to Hamas

In the aftermath of the US president's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the head of the Quds Force called the leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad to affirm Iran's ongoing political and military support.

Palestine

Republican dig at Iran deal jeopardizes effort to keep government open

Congressional efforts to ban future purchases of heavy water from Iran could complicate efforts to avoid a government shutdown.

Congress

Iran wakes up to HIV/AIDS epidemic among expectant mothers

The Iranian government is trying to combat the spread of an HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country, especially among pregnant women, but much work remains to be done.

Iran

Ahmadinejad and Iran’s judiciary chief trade accusations

Verbal clashes between former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and conservative judiciary chief Sadegh Amoli Ayatollah Larijani are reaching new heights.

Iran

Iraq's PMU leaders 'resign' in preparation for elections

Several leaders in Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units have signaled that they are handing over control of their factions to the central government as they prepare to run in next year's elections, but some argue they will maintain their influence.

Iraq

Hezbollah, Iran, Hamas seek new strategy for resistance

Hamas is moving closer to Iran and Hezbollah, as the "axis of resistance" shifts priorities now that the Syrian war is winding down.

Palestine

Trump national security strategy doubles down on Iran

The US president’s first national security strategy outlines the White House’s growing campaign to turn the screws on Iran.

United States

Will Iran, Russia find solution to Caspian dilemma?

Russian talk of progress aside, Iran and other Caspian Sea states appear locked in a dispute over the world’s largest inland lake.

Russia

Iran calls Haley's missile claim 'ridiculous'

Iranian officials view UN Ambassador Nikki Haley’s speech accusing Tehran of sending missiles to the Houthis in Yemen as politically motivated.

Saudi Arabia

Houthis broach talks after Saleh slain, but war continues

Yemen's civil war demonstrates that despotism leads to more of the same, no matter who's in power.

Saudi Arabia

Is Trump’s Jerusalem decision winner for Iran?

Islamic Jihad gains momentum in the Gaza Strip, US-Jordan relations are shaken, US-Turkey relations worsen and Iran reaps the benefits without lifting a finger.

Palestine

Will Bahrain, Israel establish formal relations in 2018?

Bahrain could become the first Gulf Cooperation Council member to establish official diplomatic and trade relations with Israel, though this may largely depend on the GCC states' response to the Jerusalem crisis.

United Arab Emirates