Iraq political factions fail to agree on prime minister as US pressure mounts
It has been five months since Iraq had an election in November, 2025. However, the parties can’t agree on a prime minister.
Middle East
Iranian commander warns of swift retaliation to renewed hostilities as ceasefire expiry looms
US in talks with DP world on Gaza logistics under Trump’s Board of Peace plan - Financial Times
Trump says new Iran deal will be better than before, Vance to travel to Islamabad for negotiations
After Iran war, attack on Gulf States, will the GCC withdraw from Arab League - analysis
Abdullah Al-Khamis, a Kuwaiti political journalist, proposes an alternative: an Arab coordination council comprising the Gulf states, Jordan, Morocco, and Syria.
Vance to travel to Islamabad, Iranian delegation gets reported approval from supreme leader - Axios
According to a source with knowledge, cited by Axios, the Iranian negotiating team hesitated under pressure from the IRGC to take a stronger line and refuse talks without an end to the US blockade.
Ship traffic stalls in Hormuz as Iran tensions rise and oil prices climb on ceasefire fears
Just one ship exited the Gulf through the strait while two entered in the space of 12 hours, ship tracking data showed on Monday, a fraction of what is usually about 130 vessels per day.
Iran will not negotiate under threat, bend to force, top officials say
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf claimed that US President Trump had violated the ceasefire between the two countries by "imposing a siege."
Board of Peace envoy optimistic about Gaza disarmament talks, but warns of delays
The Board of Peace works on Gaza disarmament, with Mladenov cautiously optimistic but concerned about delays.
Iran will keep lying, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen warns
Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen warns that Iran will continue to deceive and that no agreement or ceasefire will alter its ambitions, emphasizing the ongoing battle for Israel's security.
IDF escalates efforts to prevent civilian return to southern Lebanon after ceasefire
Despite IDF warnings, civilians in southern Lebanon are trying to cross into their villages, raising questions about the future of the ceasefire.
'They will destroy Iran': Tehran's Ghalibaf denounces critics of Iran holding US talks - report
Parliament Speaker Mohammed-Bagher Ghalibaf condemns hardline figures, including Saeed Jalili and Amir-Hossein Sabeti, for opposing ceasefire talks with the US, warning they could "destroy Iran."
Houthi official threw 13-year-old girl down well, killing her, after marital dispute
A Houthi official in Yemen allegedly murders his 13-year-old daughter in a brutal act following a divorce dispute with his ex-wife.
Taliban arrests senior co-founder Mullah Mutasim Agha Jan amid deepening internal rifts
Agha Jan, a close associate of the late Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar, served as finance minister in the group’s first government prior to the 9/11 attacks.
