Ideas

The US Just Bombed Pro-Assad Troops in Syria. What’s Next?

This could be the start of a larger escalation that includes direct military clashes with Iran or Iranian-backed proxies.

Ideas

Scuttle the Iran Nuke Deal? That Approach Didn’t Stop North Korea

The Trump administration should learn from George W. Bush’s 2002 decision to tear up an intact, if imperfect, nuclear agreement.

Policy

With Mattis Visiting, Netanyahu Applauds Trump’s Military Strikes

Israeli security leaders and U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis blamed Iran for backing an “axis of evil” from Hezbollah to Pyongyang.  

Ideas

Iran Expected an Economic Boost from the Nuclear Deal. It’s Not Happening

Sluggish growth is putting pressure on Tehran, where hardliners who opposed the deal may be looking to strike back.

Ideas

The US and Iran Are Not Yet on a Course to War

Despite bellicose words, both sides have also demonstrated elements of restraint.

Business

Pentagon: We’re Closer Than Ever to Lasers That Can Stop Iranian, North Korean Missiles

With global demand for missile defense surging, US officials are fine-tuning cheaper, more powerful laser weapons.

Ideas

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Are Shaping the Future of the Middle East

The Guards, particularly the Quds Brigade, now numbering about 15,000, are in the forefront of projecting Iranian influence.

Science & Tech

Why the Military Can’t Go After Iran for Hacking Your Dam

Seven Iranians have been charged with cyber crimes in a case that reveals the limits of U.S. power.

Policy

When It Comes to Iran, Bernie Sanders Is Less Naive Than You Might Think

In his call to end America’s cold war with Iran, Sanders is challenging the bipartisan foreign-policy consensus in the same way Obama did in 2008.

Policy

The GOP's Iran Frustration Signals a Lack of Options in Months Ahead

Republicans are irate over the Obama administration’s handling of Iran—and there’s little they can do to stop it.

Ideas

The Diplomat-in-Chief Hits a National Security Trifecta

If Barack Obama were a Republican, Congress would have already named an airport after him.

Policy

US Touts Diplomacy, Hits Iran with New Sanctions

Despite the high-profile diplomatic moves, the president said 'profound differences' continue to separate Washington and Tehran.

Ideas

There's Far More to the Saudi-Iran Feud Than Sunnis-Vs.-Shia

The ancient religious split can only take us so far in understanding what's going on between Riyadh and Tehran.

Threats

Yemen's War Is Nearly Lost in the Din of Surrounding Conflicts

With another ceasefire ended and nearly 3,000 already dead, Yemenis are stuck in a Saudi-Iranian proxy war that has no end in sight.

Policy

Sudan Cuts Ties with Iran, Widening Middle East's Sunni-Shi'a Divide

The diplomatic fallout from Riyadh's execution of a Shiite cleric is prompting fears of a region-wide sectarian conflict.

Threats

Iran Joins Syrian Peace Talks as Assad's Profile Rises

Tehran’s foreign minister will join his counterparts from the U.S., Russia and Saudi Arabia to forge a path ahead for Syria’s political future.

Business

Saudi Arabia Eyes US Warships, Sub-Hunting Helicopters to Check Iran

Saudi Arabia is planning to buy four more powerful versions of the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships, 10 submarine hunting Seahawk helicopters, and 750 missiles, freeing up U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf.

Threats

Russia Aims A Second Salvo at Syria, Hits Iran Instead

Cruise missiles launched from warships in the Caspian Sea go awry on their 1,000-mile journey.

Ideas

Iran Is Key To Understanding US Future In Mideast

An expert explains Iran's role in the ongoing regional turmoil and says the US will need to brace for some conversations it doesn't want to have.