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September 6, 2024

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Elizabeth Whelan, sister of Paul Whelan, speaks during a press conference to launch the “Bring Our Families Home" campaign held by family members of hostages being held around the world, Washington, May 4, 2022.

Breaking | Last Updated: July 20, 2022, 7:18 am

Biden issues executive order on hostages amid pressure from families

The executive order will authorize government agencies to impose financial and travel sanctions on those involved in the wrongful detention of Americans.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian gives a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

US unveils fresh sanctions on Iranian oil trade network

The Biden administration designated 15 individuals and entities located in Iran, Vietnam, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell gives a press conference in Tehran.

Analysis

Cautious optimism as US, Iran set to resume indirect talks in Qatar

A State Department spokesperson confirmed US Special Envoy Robert Malley will travel to Doha, which will serve as the venue for "indirect discussions."

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Ali Hashem

By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Ali Hashem

Borrell

Analysis

Don’t write off the Iran nuclear deal just yet

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi still wants and needs the JCPOA more than Biden.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

Latest News

Analysis

Families of American hostages abroad discouraged after Blinken call

Blinken

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Iran’s IRGC harasses US Navy in Persian Gulf as nuclear talks stall

In this photo made available by the US Navy, a boat of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy operates in close proximity to patrol coastal ship USS Sirocco.

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Analysis

US, Iran still trying to close gap on nuclear deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (2nd-L).

Ali Hashem

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Ali Hashem , Elizabeth Hagedorn

Analysis

Biden approach to Saudi Arabia echoes Bush’s China policy after Tiananmen Square

Biden

Week in Review

By Week in Review

An outside view of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters taken ahead of a virtual IAEA Board of Governors' meeting at the IAEA headquarters of the UN seat in Vienna, Austria, on November 18, 2020. (Photo by Christian BRUNA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTIAN BRUNA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel predicts 6-month nuclear breakout time for Iran

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said Iran is close to amassing the fissile material needed to build a nuclear weapon, but it would be a year or two before it could produce a nuclear weapon.

Iran suggests European Union ‘choreograph’ return to nuclear deal

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif doubled down on his stance that the United States must relieve sanctions first but suggested the EU could coordinate mutual steps.

Report: Israel turned down US request to inspect Haifa port after deal with China

Officials warned the US Navy may not visit the Haifa area if a Chinese state-run company takes up management of the city's port.

Biden administration extends temporary protections for Syrians

Under the extension, more than 6,700 Syrians will retain their special immigration status through September 2022.

Biden picks Robert Malley as special envoy for Iran

Malley, who currently runs the International Crisis Group in DC, will oversee Biden's efforts to rejoin the Iranian nuclear agreement.

Israel's Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, addresses the media at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv on November 12, 2019. - Israel's military killed a commander of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad in a strike on his home in the Gaza Strip early in the morning, prompting retaliatory rocket fire and fears of a severe escalation in violence. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP) (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images)

IDF chief warns US not to rejoin Iran deal

IDF chief Aviv Kochavi apparently did not consult with his superiors before speaking out against the United States returning to the nuclear deal with Iran.

Pentagon reassures Middle East partners on deterring Iran

The US military is signaling its show of force against Tehran may continue as the State Department explores paths toward a renewed nuclear agreement.

Intel: Progressives defend Robert Malley as Biden's possible Iran envoy

Critics accuse the former Obama official of overlooking Iran's human rights record.

Erdogan's man takes on mission impossible in Washington

Turkey's incoming ambassador to Washington has surprised observers by being a political appointee, but his perceived direct line to the Turkish president may prove a major asset.

Iran reaches 20% uranium enrichment

The increase in enrichment levels complicates the Biden administration's efforts to get Iran to return to compliance before reentering the Iran nuclear deal.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces reporters during his first press briefing at the State Department in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2021. (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran’s FM tweets 'reality check' to US on nuclear deal

Iran's foreign minister responded over Twitter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's comments regarding US reentry to the deal.

The Takeaway: Timing of return to nuclear deal depends on Iran

Blinken reiterates Biden policy to return to nuclear deal, once Iran is in compliance; Israel readies its war room as possible last resort.