Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei banned from Facebook and Instagram Khamenei remains active on X and has praised Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel on the platform. Iran
Can India use new Iran port deal to counter growing China-Pakistan ties? The long-term deal to develop Chabahar Port signed between India and Iran in mid-January is a critical component of New Delhi's strategy to bypass Pakistan for access to Central Asian markets and counterbalance the growing cooperation between China and Pakistan. Iran
Turkey, Somalia sign defense deal in wake of Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement The deal, which includes cooperation against terrorism, comes as tensions in the Horn of Africa over a controversial deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland continue to simmer. Turkey
US firm mulls stake in Starbucks Middle East franchise as local competition heats up Apollo Asset Management's reported interest comes after the coffee chain said boycotts related to the Gaza war had hurt its regional business. Saudi Arabia
What’s next for Iraq and the US after drone strike killed militia leader? The Iraqi government strongly condemned the US strike that killed Abu Baqir al-Saadi, as did Iran-backed militias in the country. Iraq
Iran arrests several Azeris amid tensions with Azerbaijan As Iranian-Azeri ties continue to be strained, Iran has arrested at least five ethnic Azeris accused of espionage and terrorism. Iran