Iran
Dust storm blankets Tehran after hitting Iraq
A severe dust storm, originating in southern Iraq, swept eastward on May 15 reaching as far north as Iran's capital city of Tehran.
Middle East braces for intense heatwave with temperatures set to surpass 50°C (122°F)
The Middle East is bracing for another intense heatwave set to grip the region from May 17, with temperatures likely to easily surpass 50 degrees Celsius in the next few days.
Trump says US very close to Iran nuclear deal during Gulf tour
US President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is "very close" to securing a nuclear deal with Iran, claiming Tehran had "sort of" agreed to the terms
Iran heading for demographic hole as fertility rate falls below 1.36
The director of population youth at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences has warned that the World Health Organization predicts Iran's fertility rate will fall below 1.36.
US President Donald Trump concludes historic meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa
US President Donald Trump met with Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa on May 14, marking the first encounter between leaders of the two nations in 25 years
In Kurdish peace moves, expect ailing founder Ocalan to get Turkish Riviera house arrest and “Real PKK” splinter to emerge, says analyst
Ankara thinks it can “mop up” those who continue fighting, adds Soner Cagaptay.
Iran, Russia launch second phase of banking payment system integration
Iran and Russia rolled out the second phase of their Shetab-Mir payment network integration, strengthening financial ties between the two nations
Iranian Central Bank announces plan to remove four zeros from currency
The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has again outlined detailed plans for removing four zeros from the national currency.
Afghanistan: Grappling with fall-out of dwindling foreign aid
Almost all US assistance terminated.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Who's to say PKK guns won't be used under a different name?
And anyway, despite what you are reading, the militants' so-called name has not been in use since 2002.
‘Iran is ready to turn the page with Europe,’ says foreign minister
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi is extending an olive branch to European nations while cautioning against their "confrontation strategy" in recent years.
US and Iran agree to continue nuclear talks after Muscat meeting
The United States and Iran agreed to move forward with nuclear talks following direct and indirect discussions in Muscat on May 11, sources close to negotiations said.
Iran and US start fourth round of nuclear talks in Oman
The fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding Tehran's nuclear programme has started in Muscat
Iran-US nuclear talks scheduled for May 11 in Oman ahead of Trump visit
A new round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States will take place on May 11 in Muscat, Oman on May 9 confirming previous IntelliNews reports.
Iran pips Saudi Arabia and Russia as having world's cheapest gasoline
READ MORE: Iran's petrol now world's cheapest at just $0.018/litre, undercutting Saudi Arabia's $0.62 rate amid growing pressure for subsidy reforms.
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HALLIGAN: Power struggle in OPEC+ is pulling oil prices down
The oil market has entered choppy waters once again. Crude prices fell by a dramatic 18% in April y/y – the sharpest monthly drop since November 2021 – partly due to a global slowdown, but more due to a power struggle within OPEC+.
UPDATE: Iran blasts Trump's attempt at renaming Persian Gulf
US President Donald Trump outraged Iranians of all stripes with his push to rename the Persian Gulf.
Fourth round of Iran-US talks to be held in Oman
A knowledgeable official has announced that the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States will take place on May 11, in Muscat.
Iran bans skateboards and scooters in public spaces
Iran has officially banned the use of skates, skateboards and scooters in public spaces, a move that authorities argue is necessary to ensure road safety and prevent accidents.
Iran unveils new ballistic missile, vows to respond to Israeli aggression
Iran's upgraded missile can now target 1,200km without the need for GPS, the country claims.