The reason Tehran is against referendum on Iraqi Kurdistan

Iranian leaders and media have expressed strong opposition to the September referendum on the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Israel

New generation of Iranian hostels attract younger tourists

As Iran's tourism industry grows, a new generation of hostels catering to younger travelers is springing up around the country.

Iran

Iranian press decries 'soft coup' in Saudi Arabia

Reactions in the Iranian media to Mohammed bin Salman’s appointment as crown prince of Saudi Arabia suggest concern about escalating tensions.

Saudi Arabia

Kurds reaching critical juncture in US partnership

The United States and Kurds currently share a partnership of convenience in Syria, but Kurds are looking ahead warily to the role they might be asked to play as US policy evolves.

Saudi Arabia

Europeans press terror-finance watchdog to extend Iran sanctions reprieve

European countries are pushing a key financial watchdog to suspend sanctions against Iran for a second year to shore up the Iranian economy and the nuclear deal.

United States

Ahmadinejad faces pressure after failed presidential bid

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad turns to crowdfunding to pay for a new office for his bodyguards after a property seizure by the authorities.

Iran

Iranian missiles worry Israel

From Israel’s viewpoint, the missiles that Iran launched June 18 failed to hit their target, but demonstrated the missile construction and launching capacities developed by Iran.

Israel

Hamas hedging its bets in region

Hamas appears to have adopted a new regional policy of avoiding taking sides and nurturing good relations with anyone willing to accept the group.

Qatar

Iranian hard-liners use Tehran attacks to snipe at Rouhani

Though Iranian hard-liners have quickly seized the June 7 terrorist attacks in Tehran as an opportunity to rally forces, it is unclear whether their security-focused discourse will gain steam.

Iran

Iranian Reformists lash out over Tillerson's hints at regime change

Iranian Reformists notably join hands in response to the Trump administration’s signals that it is reverting to a policy of regime change toward the Islamic Republic.

United States

The geopolitics behind race for eastern Syria

Fast-paced developments between the various players of the Syrian war raise questions about the geopolitical importance of the northeastern region.

Syria

US struggles to calm new Syria flashpoints

Even as the Trump administration says it wants to avoid clashing with Assad and his allies, experts say a lack of a clear US strategy in Syria makes confrontation more likely.

Syria