Iran

He will be expected to play an active role in getting Iraq to disband armed factions, as pressure from Washington is expected to intensify

A firestorm started by an ally helped unravel the 'Axis of Resistance'– and changed Tehran's own trajectory

His possible appointment does not bode well for bridging the gap between Tehran and the West over a range of political issues—perhaps most crucially, Iran's nuclear programme

His recent appointment as a national security advisor adds to the trend of more pragmatic sections of the establishment—who advocate negotiating with the West—coming to the fore

The Zangezur Corridor, a route through Armenia linking Azerbaijan and Türkiye, will be built and managed by Americans and will pass along the Iranian border, creating winners and losers

Baghdad wants good relations with Washington, but its ties with Tehran run deep. Under increased pressure, it may have to pick a side once and for all.

Is Iraq finally stepping out from under Iran's shadow? Al Majalla covers the story from different angles and perspectives.

A pressure campaign by Washington to curb Tehran's influence over Baghdad seems to be yielding results, but any moves to disarm Iran-allied militias could stoke serious violence

Washington's long-term strategy to unshackle Iraq from Iranian influence is yielding results. Having pulled a potent mix of financial and military levers, the militias have been eerily quiet of late.

US President Donald Trump agreed a ceasefire in early May on the condition that the Houthis do not attack American ships. Good to their word, they are still attacking others, with no comeuppance.