Turkey’s Erdogan calls for end to US defense sanctions amid reports of S-400 deal Relations between the two NATO allies have worsened in recent years over political rifts regarding the Eastern Mediterranean, Gaza and Syria, as well as over Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 defense systems. Turkey
UK halts 30 arms export licenses to Israel, citing Gaza concerns After reviewing all the licenses issued or extended in recent months for arms exports to Israel, the British government decided to suspend 30 of them. By Rina Bassist , Jack Dutton
Analysis Even as Erdogan befriends Putin, Turkey and Ukraine ink major free trade deal The two countries are finalizing the ratification of the free-trade agreement they signed weeks before the Russian invasion started in February 2022. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
EU's top diplomat asks member states to sanction some Israeli ministers Meeting with European Union foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell advances sanctions against some Israeli ministers. Israel
Analysis Is Khamenei opening door for nuclear talks as Iran FM floats revisions? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Rouhani in Baghdad seeks outlets against US sanctions Iranian president Hassan Rouhani is paying his first visit to Iraq with the hope of expanding economic relations to allow Iran to counter the tightening noose of US sanctions. Iraq
Rouhani goes to Iraq to boost trade, assert authority at home President Hassan Rouhani’s landmark visit to Iraq is not just about expanding trade to deflect US pressure on the Iranian economy, but also to boost his administration’s standing in Tehran. Iraq
Why artists are speaking up against ‘dirty money’ in Iranian cinema The increasing emergence of “dirty money” in Iranian cinema has sparked an outcry among artists, producers and directors, who are urging action to stop the phenomenon from ruining the industry. Iran
Iraqi envoy calls on US to reopen Basra consulate At an exclusive Al-Monitor event, Iraq’s ambassador to the United States urged the Donald Trump administration to reopen its consulate in Basra, which the State Department closed last year amid rocket attacks from Iran-backed militias. Iraq
Iran questions Iraq's promise to import oil despite sanctions In a surprising statement, Iran's oil minister recently complained that Iraq is abiding by the US sanctions and canceling some energy deals with Iran. Iraq
As sanctions loom, Syria looks to retrieve funds from abroad Damascus wants the country's banks to develop incentives to bring Syrian funds back, especially those deposited in Lebanese banks. Lebanon
How US sanctions could be boosting Iran's presence in Iraq Reimposed US sanctions have encouraged an active Iranian geo-economic agenda in neighboring Iraq, a profitable market where Tehran can ease the pressure coming from Washington. Iraq
Why Europe's payment channel may be too little to keep Iran in JCPOA Iran is inching closer than ever to withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as it finds European steps toward maintaining the deal too little, too late — a perception exacerbated by more European non-nuclear sanctions. Iran
Intel: How the Europeans’ new Iran sanctions work-around helps Trump The European Union launched its much-anticipated Iran trade mechanism today to an audible meh from the Donald Trump administration. United States
China’s emerging role in Iran’s petroleum sector Despite the stumbling blocks, China’s strategic goal of securing energy resources for its future demands and Iran’s need for foreign investment will continue to pave the way for a greater Chinese role in the Iranian energy sector. Iran
Iran calls new European special payment mechanism ‘first step’ Iran called a new European initiative to establish a payment mechanism to facilitate trade a “first step” and hopes it will expand. Iran
Senior Polish diplomat in Iran to mend ties amid Warsaw conference row Poland's deputy foreign minister visited Tehran to assure Iranians that an upcoming controversial conference in Warsaw will not turn into an anti-Iran event. United States