Middle East

5 briefs

conflict 2026-04-16

The Siege That Talks Are Supposed to End

The US blockade of Iranian ports is working militarily and collapsing diplomatically at the same time.

conflict 2026-04-14

Israel and Lebanon Met in Washington. One Side Wanted a Ceasefire. The Other Wanted Disarmament.

The first direct Israel-Lebanon diplomatic talks in 30 years ended without agreement. Israel came to demand Hezbollah's disarmament. Lebanon came to ask for a ceasefire. Those are not the same conversation.

conflict 2026-04-12

Pakistan's Both Sides

Pakistan is hosting US-Iran peace talks while simultaneously sending fighter jets to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense pact. The two moves are not contradictory. They are Pakistan's bet on being indispensable to everyone.

conflict 2026-04-09

The Iran Ceasefire: Trump's Victory Lap Is a Cover Story

The deal was built on Iran's 10-point plan. Calling that a win requires ignoring what the plan says.

conflict 2026-04-08

Trump's Iran Ceasefire: Victory or Surrender?

The strongman who threatened to destroy Iran just settled for a two-week pause.