Iran

Iran’s supreme leader has hinted that the country’s presidency could be eliminated. It’s a clear warning to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The alleged Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador sounds uncertain and amateurish. One thing is clear though, Obama will likely be abandoning his overtures to Tehran.

The idea that the alleged Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador went to the very top is fanciful, says Robert Dreyfuss. Still, it has almost certainly scuppered the prospects for talks.

Claims Iran was plotting to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador on US soil are extraordinary. Would Iran’s leadership really have OK’d such a plot?

The US has accused Iran of planning to detonate an explosive device to kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador. The Diplomat asks Iran analyst Michael Rubin for his take.

Vladimir Putin looks certain to become Russian president again. China and Iran may welcome him, but will the neighbours want his Eurasian Union?

The US can’t take its cyber edge for granted. Countries like North Korea will be happy to exploit vulnerabilities.

There are some encouraging signs Iran may be willing to compromise over its nuclear programme. But is the Obama administration willing to listen?

Civil war in Syria would serve Iran well. Backing the Alawites would allow it to undermine Israel and Saudi Arabia at the same time.

The Diplomat speaks with Prof. Eyal Zisser of Tel Aviv University about sanctions against Syria.

As sanctions bite against Iran, its national shipping line is believed to be putting unsafe ships to sea to try to beat them. Are Asian nations prepared for the costs of a disaster?

Energy-hungry, US-friendly Asian nations are left in an awkward position as US pressure on Iran increases.