Will Iran take up Vance lifeline to avoid another US attack? Vance’s letter comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity ahead of the Nov. 3 deadline; Jordan and Syria move to deepen security ties following a terrorist attack. Iran
Analysis Who will blink first in latest US-Iran diplomacy efforts? The prospects for a US-Iran deal may depend less on the scope for compromise than on whether either side can afford to make the first concession. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Limpet mine attack in Hormuz suggests Iran may be shifting tactics UKMTO report of the first successful limpet mine attack on a commercial vessel in the Middle East since 2019 appeared to undermine the Pentagon's claims to have fully cleared and opened the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Oil tops $114 as traders brace for Iran escalation after US midterms On Friday, BP posted its highest profits in 18 years as a result of the Iran conflict, which has driven up oil and gas margins. Iran
Analysis Mediators scramble to avert US-Iran fighting after Trump's midterm restraint fades By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis How wartime urgency pushed Iran to court Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Why hasn't Egypt taken a clear stance on Syria? Since Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi came to power two years ago, Egypt has repeatedly stated that it wants to preserve the Syrian state and army, but it has been vague when it comes to voicing an opinion on the regime itself. Egypt
Rouhani praises 'historic' day for Iran, India, Afghanistan The leaders of Iran, India and Afghanistan gathered in Tehran to sign an agreement to develop a transit system connecting their countries via the southeastern Iranian port of Chabahar. Iran
Is it time to tame Iran's lawless publishing sector? Iranians are debating whether to join the international Berne Convention on copyright, with advocates arguing that signing on will bring legitimacy to Iranian publishing and detractors fearing copyright enforcement will only benefit the corrupt and powerful. Iran
How Leonardo DiCaprio became unlikely champion in Iran Iranians are elated that actor Leonardo DiCaprio is helping to raise awareness of the drying of Lake Urmia. Iran
Iraqis divided over Soleimani's role in their country Iran's Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani is stirring controversy in the Iraqi street, where citizens are waving both Iranian and Iraqi flags during demonstrations for or against his presence. Iraq
Will Iran stop executions for drug offenses? Mohammad Javad Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Human Rights Council, has been joined by other officials in his repeated calls to cut down on executions for drug offenses. Iran
Rouhani’s greatest win on the verge of becoming liability Both ends of the bargain of the nuclear deal must be delivered to ensure the agreement will be a lasting legacy. Iran
Last year's disaster offers Saudis excuse to clamp down on hajj The Saudi Interior Ministry is doing everything it can to keep this year's hajj season tragedy-free — including, conveniently, shutting out Iranian pilgrims over visa problems. Saudi Arabia
Why Iran should focus on Turkey, not Russia, for Syria cooperation Despite all talk of a nascent Russian-Iranian alliance, it appears that Iranian interests — and the objective of peace in Syria — are perhaps best served through Iranian-Turkish cooperation. Turkey
Is Rafsanjani’s daughter headed for more legal trouble? Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani faces possible legal action after appearing in a photo with leaders of Iran’s Baha’i community. Iran
Who will be Iran's next speaker of parliament? The competition for the position of parliament speaker is heating up in Iran. Iran
How Supreme Court decision to freeze Iran assets undermines US foreign policy The US Supreme Court’s decision to seize Iranian assets to compensate terror victims is creating a backlash that undermines US business interests and could sabotage US foreign policy. Iran