Iran urges IAEA to remain independent amid US pressure

Iran’s foreign minister wrote a letter to the IAEA warning it not to fall for US pressure regarding the nuclear deal.

Iran

Education key battleground as Rouhani’s second term begins

As President Hassan Rouhani begins his second term, education emerges as a key political battleground.

Iran

Iraq's Hakim moves out of Iran's shadow

Ammar al-Hakim has left Iraq's Supreme Islamic Council and formed a new political party against Iran's wishes, indicating he is adopting an independent stance.

Iraq

Reformists officially take over Iran’s capital city

After 14 years, Reformists have taken over Iran’s capital city, increasing the cooperation between the incumbent moderate government and the Tehran municipality.

Iran

KRG doubles down on independence vote after Baghdad meeting

A visit by a Kurdish delegation to Baghdad amid strong regional and international objections to a Kurdish independence referendum failed to convince the Iraqi government of the merits of the vote.

Iraq

Netanyahu raising alarm on Iran, again

Israel has told US and Russian officials that Iran’s long-term strategies and its missile capabilities endanger the region.

Saudi Arabia

Iran, Turkey move to re-establish role as regional backbone

Despite their major differences over key regional crises in past years, shared threats and shared objectives are once again pushing Iran and Turkey together.

Turkey

Iranian Reformist MPs under fire for confirming conservative ministers

The Reformist Omid faction in the Iranian parliament is under fire for having voted to confirm controversial conservative ministers.

Iran

Tensions flare between US, Shiite factions in Iraq

The recent escalation by Iran-affiliated Iraqi Shiite militias against US forces on the Iraqi-Syrian border may offer an early indication of the coming confrontation between the two sides after the Islamic State is eliminated from Iraq.

Iraq

Turkey fumes as Sinjar Yazidis declare 'democratic autonomy'

Some Yazidis have announced their opposition to the Iraqi Kurdistan independence vote, as Turkey and Iran consider attacking the Yazidi-allied PKK in the Qandil Mountains.

Iraq

Iran’s Quds Force commander calls for national unity

Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani discusses the importance for mosques to encourage unity among Iranians and to attract diverse crowds.

Iran

Saudi Arabia woos Persian-speaking Sunnis in Central Asia

A deterioration in economic and political relations between Tehran and Dushanbe since moderate Hassan Rouhani first took office has allowed Saudi Arabia to expand its influence in Tajikistan at Iran’s expense.

Saudi Arabia