US officials circle globe to explain Iran policy but fail to persuade

Obama administration officials are making strenuous efforts to convince foreign banks that they can return to Iran, but are failing to overcome fears of heavy fines and new sanctions.

Iran

The downfall of two Iranian tycoons

Iranian lawmaker Amir-Abbas Soltani told Al-Monitor that Iranian-Turkish businessman Reza Zarrab intentionally visited the US, knowing he would be detained, to avoid being arrested in Turkey and extradited to Iran.

Turkey

More than 100 Iran MPs ask Rouhani to stop nuclear deal implementation

Members of the current conservative-led parliament have signed a written warning to President Hassan Rouhani asking that he return Iran’s nuclear program to previous levels before the nuclear deal if US "obstruction" continues.

Iran

Will 'free financial center' lure foreign banks to Iran?

Iranian authorities are weighing whether to launch a free financial center to encourage capital inflow into the economy.

Legacy: Gulf

Khamenei claims US is anti-Iran and anti-Shiite

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has delivered one of his most anti-American speeches in years.

Iran

Rouhani moves to slash IRGC budget, empower army

The Rouhani administration has moved to cut spending for the IRGC while increasing funding for the army, but not without a backlash.

Regional

English language classes set to become next battleground in Iran

President Hassan Rouhani emphasized the learning of foreign languages in helping Iran’s economy, which put him at odds with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran

Will Iran's new undercover morality agents have any impact?

The plan to dispatch 7,000 undercover morality agents has stirred much criticism in Persian-language media and social networks, with the backlash mostly focused on the project's social costs.

Iran

Why big European banks are reluctant to return to Iran

Iranians and Americans see different reasons for major European banks’ reluctance to return to the Iranian market after the nuclear deal.

Iran

Did Rouhani call for North Korea to give up nuclear weapons?

South Korean officials have welcomed Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s comments about a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons.

Iran

Four reasons Sisi won’t turn against Iran

The Saudi efforts to forge an alliance with Egypt come in the context of Riyadh’s efforts to expand its anti-Iran coalition. But will Saudi Arabia succeed in bringing Egypt onboard?

Saudi Arabia

Pro-Rouhani candidates scoop up most seats in runoff

The second round of Iran’s parliamentary elections gave most remaining seats to the Reformist-moderate camp that supports President Hassan Rouhani.

Iran