Iran-Israel conflict

Analysis

Defense and diplomacy: Gulf states recalibrate after Iran’s retaliation at Al Udeid

As Tehran strikes Al Udeid and a Trump-brokered truce halts escalation, Gulf states weigh their vulnerabilities and options amid fears of future conflict.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

Comeback kid: Will Netanyahu ride Iran war boost to new elections?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is well positioned to leverage the military operation against Iran and its US support to win back many Israeli voters.

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Interview

Former French PM says Trump has ‘immense opportunity’ in Mideast

Dominique de Villepin, who recently announced a new political party, says in an exclusive written interview with Al-Monitor that France has a vital role to play in promoting regional cooperation.

Dominique de Villepin

Former French prime minister

Analysis

How Trump’s call to end Netanyahu’s trial is linked to broader Gaza deal

The coordinated effort, involving an agreement with Hamas and expansion of the Abraham Accords, also envisions a Nobel Peace Prize for Trump and a pardon for Netanyahu.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Interview

Iran open to regional consortium, enriched uranium transfer in US nuclear talks

Iran’s UN ambassador says his country would consider transfer of enriched uranium stockpiles and outside investment in energy sector if there is an agreement with the US, but that the country is unwilling to accept restrictions on its missile program or domestic enrichment.

Amir Saeid Iravani

Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN

Pope Leo decries 'special interests' and MidEast wars, calls Gaza 'inhumane'

The pontiff described the situation in Gaza as “tragic and inhumane,” saying that international law is being cast aside in favor of force.

Palestine

In first speech after war, Khamenei strikes defiant tone against US, Israel

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Iran would not "surrender" to the US and made a number of claims about the damage inflicted on Israel and the US base in Qatar.

Iran

Pentagon reveals new details about strike on Iran’s Fordow: What to know

Top defense official says "no one" is on the ground at Fordow to assess the damage, as the Trump administration tries to dispel doubts about the effectiveness of the US bombing raid designed to knock out Iran’s main enrichment facility.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

A new era? Why Israel-Iran war didn't spook global markets as expected

Past Middle East wars sent markets tumbling, but today's investors have grown accustomed to such shocks, perhaps setting the stage for future market miscalculations.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Why Netanyahu accepted Trump’s ceasefire deal with Iran

In accepting the US-brokered ceasefire with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likely weighed operational factors and American pressure alongside significant domestic political considerations.

Israel

As Iran ceasefire holds, Israel gas fields resume production: What to know

Egypt and Jordan are increasingly reliant on Israel for gas despite tensions over Gaza, but the conflict with Iran threatened their imports.

Israel

Iran defense chief visits China, first trip after war with Israel: What to know

While Iran and China maintain a deepening military and economic partnership, Beijing offered only rhetorical support during Iran’s 12-day war with Israel.

China