China in talks with Iran to allow safe oil and gas passage through Hormuz, sources say
The war has left the critical shipping passageway all but shut, with Iran having moved to paralyze shipping through the Strait.
Middle East
Will the Kurds open a new front against Iran's Ayatollahs? - analysis
Iranian FM Araghchi claims Arab neighbors are not targets, says Israel, US are losing war
Saudi Arabia fears Iran may target leaders in strikes, officials begin meeting by video
IDF surprised by Houthis not joining Iran war, believes they still could, sources say
It was expected by many in the IDF that the Houthis would join in the attack once Iran's former supreme leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated.
Trump: I want to be involved in picking Iran’s next leader, Khamenei’s son ‘unacceptable’
In an Axios interview, Trump expressed his opposition to the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of assassinated leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the next leader.
Iran denies medical care for political inmates at Kurdish region prisons, raises security - report
An Azerbaijani Turkic political prisoner held in Orumiyeh Central Prison was reportedly denied medical attention for hours after suffering a heart attack.
Iran's underground ‘missile cities’ strategy becomes a disadvantage for regime - WSJ
The WSJ reports that Iran’s "missile cities" have become a strategic liability. Constant drone monitoring and neutralized air defenses have allowed the US and Israel to slash Iranian launches by 86%.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts divided over plans to hand power to Khamenei’s second son - report
Many experts have reportedly taken issue with “hereditary leadership." Mojtaba Khamenei has also formed close political alliances with Ahmad Vahidi, the newly appointed IRGC commander.
IRGC members in Lebanon will be arrested, deported, Lebanese information minister says
The IDF spokesperson in Arabic issued an immediate evacuation notice for all residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, instructing them to head north towards Mount Lebanon and avoid heading south.
Six Kurdish Iranian groups unite in coalition against Tehran regime - analysis
Iranian Kurdish parties form a historic coalition to coordinate efforts and safeguard Kurdish interests amid regional unrest.
More than 80,000 people flee areas in Lebanon amid fighting
More than 80,000 displaced people had registered in shelters, and there are now 399 shelters for the displaced across Lebanon. Lebanon also says 72 people have been killed in the fighting.
Iraqi feminist who saved thousands from honor killings slain by gunman outside home in Baghdad
Mohammed, who co-founded and directed the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq, was rushed to hospital where she perished from her wounds, according to local reports and Amnesty International.
The Kurdistan region of Iraq fears being dragged into Iran war - analysis
As Iran faces US and Israeli strikes, Iraq’s Kurdistan Region fears being pulled into the conflict amid drone attacks, militia activity, and growing concerns about regional escalation.
