Can Trump turn midterm defeat into Iran breakthrough? Although Iran may have contributed to Republican losses in midterms, the Trump administration still has a historic opportunity in the Middle East. United States
As Trump weighs Iran strikes, possible nuclear opening emerges Sticking points include Iran's highly enriched uranium and lack of access for international inspectors. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Can Hegseth survive Iran war fallout? The fallout from Republicans’ poor showing in the midterms now includes reports that President Donald Trump could oust Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. By Gabrielle Debinski In New York City, reporting on the Middle East
Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports Multiple recent reports reveal increased Russian support for Iran, including weapons and intelligence sharing. Iran
Analysis Iran cheers Democrats’ midterm victory but fears Trump's next move By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Former Iraq VP: Terrorism, political conflict behind Anbar crisis In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, former Iraqi Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi speaks about the Anbar crisis, Iranian influence in Iraq and his expectations for the upcoming elections. Saudi Arabia
Qatar's foreign minister: Iran has 'crucial role' in Syria In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah calls for a unified Syrian opposition and describes the plight of the Syrian people as "unprecedented." Qatar
Israel recognizes Assad's staying power Israel shifts its strategic posture, recognizing that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is staying on and that a jihadist alternative would be even worse. Palestine
Russia, Iran set stage for Geneva II; Turkey’s slow turnaround on Syria Russian and Iranian diplomacy have helped shape the Geneva II agenda to include a cease-fire, humanitarian relief and counterterrorism in Syria. Syria
Russia plays the Iran card Moscow believes that Iran's role in the Middle East will only become more prominent in the future, prompting it to further boost relations at the expense of US regional influence. Syria
Turkey shifts toward Iran on Syria Turkey is resetting its relations with Iran, including over Syria. Syria
Iran’s tourism industry struggles to meet growing demand While Iranian officials have stated they plan to grow Iran's tourism industry, challenges such as investment, visa requirements and cultural issues must be addressed. Turkey
Iranian scholar: nuclear deal key to domestic reforms In an exclusive interview, Tehran University professor Zibakalam tells Al-Monitor that President Hassan Rouhani has correctly judged that resolving the nuclear crisis will give his administration the opportunity to pursue domestic reforms. Iran
Burns to Al-Monitor: 'No illusions' about nuclear diplomacy with Iran In an exclusive interview, Deputy Secretary of State William Burns discusses leading the US back channel to Iran, the upcoming Geneva II conference on Syria, the role of secret diplomacy and 32 years in the US foreign service. Saudi Arabia
Zarif trip to Lebanon includes signal to Saudi Arabia Iran and Hezbollah's abrupt change toward the formation of a Lebanese government might be part of a regional settlement. Saudi Arabia
Special tribunal may foreshadow agreement on Lebanon government Various domestic and regional developments, most notably the first session of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to be held this week, could be the necessary spark for Lebanese factions to finally agree on a government. Lebanon
The new pulse of Geneva II The trend in the Geneva II process shifts to cooperation on humanitarian and counterterrorism issues; Erdogan under fire in Turkey. Saudi Arabia
