Saudi bloc splinters over hard line on Iran

Riyadh summit may have fueled sectarian animosities; Hamas resets its ties with Iran and Russia.

Saudi Arabia

Despite deadly border clash, Iran-PKK war unlikely

Though attributed to the PJAK, the recent deadly border clash along Iran’s border with Turkey involved the PKK and is unlikely to escalate.

Turkey

In eye of regional storm, Hamas pushed closer to Tehran

Iran has recently welcomed the election of Hamas’ new leadership, which raises questions about Hamas’ next step in forming and mending its regional relations.

Palestine

Iraqi Kurdistan faces many obstacles to independence referendum

Amid a strong regional disagreement, Iraqi Kurdistan is insisting on holding a referendum on independence in the fall.

Iraq

Bahrainis' shrinking political space

The Bahraini government is sending a message about loyalty to its population by removing the organizations representing its Shiite and secular opposition from the political arena.

Legacy: Gulf

Iranian hard-liners launch wave of attacks on Rouhani administration

Iranian hard-liners have launched a new wave of attacks against the administration of recently re-elected President Hassan Rouhani.

Iran

Tehran, Washington set for proxy clash on Syrian-Iraqi border

Due to its strategic position and impact on the future of Syria, the Iraqi-Syrian border is likely to be the site of a new conflict between the allies of Washington and Tehran soon after the Mosul operation concludes.

Iraq

Iranian hard-liners lose battle over parliament leadership

Iranian hard-liners fail to prevent outspoken member of parliament Ali Motahari from being re-elected as deputy parliament speaker while parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani remains in his post.

Iran

This young Iranian rapper may have cost Raisi the presidency

Iranians wonder whether hard-line presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi’s attempt to attract young voters by meeting with an underground rapper cost him the election.

Iran

Questions about Zarif as Rouhani’s second term agenda emerges

Major questions remain about Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s foreign policy approach for the next four years.

United States

Iranian judiciary chief attacks Rouhani over promise to free opposition leaders

Iran’s judiciary chief attacks the president over his campaign promise to free the leaders of the Green Movement.

Iran

Iran blames Turkey for PKK-affiliate clash on border

An Iranian Kurdish militia's attack on Iranian border guards has further muddled the often contradictory actions of Turkey, Iran and their respective proxies and enemies who occasionally double up as both.

Turkey