The AL-Monitor Brief

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump amid tensions between the two over Iran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Turkish opposition is seeking to create a new political party and US President Donald Trump said he is considering major combat operations against Iran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The US and Saudi Arabia officially signed their nuclear power deal and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made his first trip to Iran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is “not serious” about talks as the US completed an 11th consecutive night of strikes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss Hezbollah disarmament and the planned Israeli withdrawal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran said it received proposals from mediators as tit-for-tat strikes with the US escalate following the deaths of two American soldiers in Jordan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi hopes to attract major investment during a US-Iraq business forum.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The US expanded its strikes on Iran overnight, targeting areas in the north after previously focusing on the coast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran is calling on Kuwait to expel US forces as the conflict over Hormuz heats up.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The US and Iran exchanged heavy strikes overnight, with the UAE saying one sailor was killed aboard an Emirati tanker near the Strait of Hormuz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran expanded its strikes on the Gulf and Jordan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is traveling to Washington for a key visit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pakistan and Qatar are reportedly seeking to revive US-Iran talks and an election challenger to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gaining momentum.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kuwait said one person was injured in a strike while Iran reported a projectile hit near the Bushehr nuclear plant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran said parts of the memorandum of understanding with the US are now "ineffective" as tankers turn around and oil prices rise in response to the latest fighting over the Strait of Hormuz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz overnight as US President Donald Trump is expected to back F-35 sales to Turkey at the NATO summit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The funeral procession for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei will reach Iraq later in the week before concluding in Iran's Mashhad.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran is warning against new attacks on its territory ahead of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israel may see strategic value in its latest deal with Lebanon as tensions with Iran persist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Uncertainty surrounds the latest negotiations in Doha as Iraq moves to tackle corruption.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The announcement follows the Lebanese parliament speaker slamming the recent US-brokered deal with Israel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The negotiations will include representatives from Pakistan and Qatar, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said, as Israel engages in talks with the US on its presence in southern Lebanon ahead of a planned Washington trip by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pressure is building on Capitol Hill for US President Donald Trump to release the text of the agreement with Iran as G7 leaders said they welcomed an end to the war.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US President Donald Trump criticized Israel again ahead of nuclear talks with Iran this Friday. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gulf states and energy markets welcomed the deal between the United States and Iran to end the war, while Israel made it clear it is not bound by the deal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s Rina Bassist joins host Adam Lucente to discuss whether Israel has been kept out of the loop by the United States on negotiations with Iran, and why the daylight between the US and Israel may hurt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente speaks to Rosaleen Carroll, co-author of Al-Monitor’s China-Middle East newsletter, to discuss Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to China amid signs of progress in the US-Iran talks. Listen as they cover China’s role in the diplomacy surrounding the war, how Beijing is responding to increased pressure from the Trump administration, and the extent to which the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are impacting the Chinese economy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente speaks to Al-Monitor contributor Barin Kayaoglu and Royal United Services Institute fellow Tamer Badawi about Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi’s prospects and challenges in forming a government. They discuss why the Trump administration accepted the consensus candidate after months of deliberations and what Zaidi brings to the position.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente speaks to Al-Monitor’s business correspondents, Jack Dutton and Samuel Wendel, about the energy and political disagreements that compelled the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC, and why the Gulf state's exit is a major blow to the cartel amid the chaos surrounding the US-Israel-Iran war.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor's diplomatic correspondent, Elizabeth Hagedorn, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss the state of diplomacy between Israel and Lebanon as well as Iran and the United States. They discuss why the Trump administration is pushing for an Israel-Lebanon deal, the limits to what can be achieved as Israel-Hezbollah fighting continues, and the United States' current priorities in its engagement with Iran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With another round of US-Iran talks being planned in Islamabad, host Adam Lucente and Al-Monitor contributor Sabena Siddiqui go over Pakistan’s growing security ties to Saudi Arabia. They discuss whether military cooperation with Pakistan could bolster Riyadh’s defenses, the potential to encompass other Gulf states and how Pakistani relations with Iran factor in, among other topics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente speaks to Al-Monitor’s chief business correspondent, Jack Dutton, and Gulf newsletter author Francesco Schiavi about how the Gulf views Iran and the US declaring the Strait of Hormuz open. Listen as they cover why Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other states are not yet in the clear; the regional outreach to Pakistan amid its war mediation efforts; and other relevant developments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s Rina Bassist joins host Adam Lucente to discuss the Israeli reaction to US President Donald Trump declaring a ceasefire in Lebanon, including the domestic political backlash over the announcement. The podcast also features Al-Monitor’s Beirut correspondent, Beatrice Farhat, who assesses the future of Lebanon’s ties with its neighbor, the complications of the truce and what it means for Hezbollah.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente speaks with Al-Monitor journalists in the region and in Washington about the announcement of upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks and the ceasefire deal with Iran. They discuss how the US, Israel, and Iran assess their performance in the war; why Israel-Lebanon negotiations may be moving forward now; the latest developments in the Gulf; and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s senior market research analyst, Samuel Wendel, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian restrictions in the waterway. The discussion covers the feasibility of pipeline and overland routes, the potential for Gulf cooperation on the issue, and which regional states are most at risk of losing oil and gas revenue.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor news reporter Rosaleen Carroll joins host Adam Lucente to recap Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s first-ever trips to Germany and the United Kingdom, including what the visits mean for the return of refugees and Syria’s position on the US-Israel-Iran war. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s defense and security correspondent, Jared Szuba, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss the US' potential ground operations against Iran. They also cover how close the Trump administration is to achieving its goal of degrading Iran's military capabilities and the degree of damage done to US assets in the region.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s editor-in-chief, Joyce Karam, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss the efforts to achieve a deal between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing war. Listen as they delve into the obstacles preventing negotiations and why Iran feels it is winning. Plus, they discuss the growing frustration among Gulf states and the precarious situation in Lebanon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s Israel columnist, Ben Caspit, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss the latest developments in the Iran war, including why Israeli leadership feels it is performing above expectations militarily, the lack of a clear exit strategy, and the somewhat divergent goals between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also discuss the complications surrounding Israel’s plans to fight Hezbollah in Lebanon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s Turkey correspondent, Ezgi Akin, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss her recent reporting from the Turkish-Iranian border. Listen as they discuss the diverse set of reasons people in Iran are fleeing — some of which are unrelated to the war — as well as Iranians’ concerns about a potential Kurdish offensive in the northwest and the latest on Turkey’s reactions to being targeted in the conflict.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor Brief host Adam Lucente takes a look at what’s at stake for Syria in the Iran war, including the reasons behind Damascus' diplomatic response to the conflict and the risk to Gulf investments in the country. The episode features commentary from Randa Slim, the director of the Stimson Center's Middle East Program and Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente speaks to Al-Monitor contributor Francesco Schiavi about the security situation in the Gulf amid the war with Iran, including how long regional states can successfully defend themselves, the possibility of their retaliation against the Islamic Republic directly, and the potential impact of Europe sending military assets to the Middle East.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente takes a look at the state of the conflict in the Middle East following the American and Israeli strikes on Iran, and retaliation from the Islamic Republic, hearing from Al-Monitor contributors around the region about how the Gulf, Lebanon and other areas are being impacted. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s correspondents in Washington, Elizabeth Hagedorn and Jared Szuba, join host Adam Lucente to discuss the latest on the US-Iran nuclear negotiations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s correspondent in Beirut, Beatrice Farhat, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss the latest reports on a possible confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, including what might compel the group to intervene on behalf of Iran amid tensions with the United States. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente speaks Al-Monitor’s senior market research analyst, Sam Wendel, about the potential economic fallout surrounding tensions between the US and Iran, including the likelihood of oil and gas deals between the two countries, the state of the Iranian economy, and the potential impact a war could have on oil markets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente interviews Al-Monitor’s correspondent in Ankara, Ezgi Akin, about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s trip to Ethiopia and what it means for geopolitical developments in the Horn of Africa and the continent as a whole. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Adam Lucente speaks to Al-Monitor’s Israel Pulse columnist, Ben Caspit, about how Israel views the US-Iran nuclear talks after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with US President Donald Trump. Listen as they explore the various options on the table for dealing with Iran’s ballistic missiles and nuclear program, Israel's reluctance to be viewed by the American right as pushing for war and the reasons behind Trump’s recent criticism of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s chief business correspondent, Jack Dutton, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss Algeria’s cancellation of its air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Listen as they delve into the reasons behind the move, including growing opposition to Emirati foreign policy, Saudi Arabia’s rivalry with the UAE and competition between Gulf states across Africa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor Brief host Adam Lucente goes over the start of US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman, highligting reactions from diplomatic correspondent Elizabeth Hagedorn, Israel Pulse head Rina Bassist, and Al-Monitor’s correspondent in Tehran. Editor's note: This podcast was updated on February. 6, 2026 to include comments from US President Donald Trump on the negotiations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Al-Monitor’s correspondent in Ankara, Ezgi Akin, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss Turkish efforts to host the US-Iran nuclear talks, which are now set to take place in Oman, and what type of deal Turkey would like to see. They also recap Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s trips to Saudi Arabia and Egypt and what they mean for regional rivalries.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.