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GZERO news and analysis about the Middle East

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Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with journalists to comment on new U.S. sanctions targeting two major Russia's oil producers, as well as other international issues, in Moscow, Russia, October 23, 2025.

What We're Watching

Trump eases Russian oil sanctions, US-Cuba talks, Zimbabwe to leverage lithium mines

The US has paused Russian oil sanctions in a bid to stabilize energy markets rocked by the war with Iran. Administration officials stress that it’s a “tailored” measure, applying only to oil already loaded onto tankers, but it’s still a gift to Russia, which has already been clocking an extra $150 million daily in oil revenues since the war began.

Iran player Fatemeh Pasandideh (right) reacts during the national anthem of Iran prior to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Hard Numbers

Members of Iranian women’s soccer team granted asylum, Another Canadian MP defects to Liberals, Strike planned at world’s largest meat producer, Drone strikes in the DRC

7: The number of members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were granted asylum in Australia on Wednesday – including six players and one of the team’s support staff – after they refused to sing the national anthem during the Asian Cup soccer tournament there.

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Middle East

War in Iran disrupts global shipping

Iran conflict threatens water supply for millions

Endgame in Iran?

Unpacking Iran’s competing endgames with Brookings Institution’s Thomas Wright

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After decapitation, what’s next?

How Trump’s Iran gamble backfired

Trump's war of choice in Iran

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Trump’s gamble in Iran

Trump eases Russian oil sanctions, US-Cuba talks, Zimbabwe to leverage lithium mines

Trump tries to name a new leader of Iran

The only guy he'd trust #PUPPETREGIME

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US reportedly to blame for strike at Iran girls’ school, Senegal cracks down on same-sex acts, Mexico wealth inequality, Verdict for mass shooting in Moscow

175: The number of people killed at an Iranian girls’ school in a strike on Feb. 28. Initial intelligence reports suggest that the US was to blame for the strike, per the New York Times, after the military used a now-defunct set of coordinates to deploy the hit.

Iran focused on closing Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine makes drone without Chinese parts, Beijing deals another blow to China’s minorities

Members of Iranian women’s soccer team granted asylum, Another Canadian MP defects to Liberals, Strike planned at world’s largest meat producer, Drone strikes in the DRC

7: The number of members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were granted asylum in Australia on Wednesday – including six players and one of the team’s support staff – after they refused to sing the national anthem during the Asian Cup soccer tournament there.

Iran ups the ante on oil threats, Chile’s new president inaugurated, Russia tries to save Orbán’s re-election bid

Iran has been upping its threats against the world’s oil supply, striking at least one cargo ship yesterday and reportedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway near Iran through which 20% of global oil supply passes.

What is Trump's exit strategy from Iran?

In this "ask ian," Ian Bremmer explains why the Trump administration may be looking for a way out of the US–Israel war with Iran, even as Israel appears determined to keep fighting.

Iran war could cause millions to flee, but who will take them?

As missiles rain down on the Middle East, concerns about a humanitarian emergency are beginning to mount.

Iran conflict sends oil prices surging, Trial begins for Erdogan’s main adversary, German Greens win in auto state

Graphic Truth: Netanyahu’s strategic window in Iran

There’s a striking gap in how Americans and Israelis view the US-Israeli war on Iran. Polling done by the Israel Democracy Institute showed the attacks have overwhelming support among Israelis.

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Middle East

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The only guy he'd trust #PUPPETREGIME

175: The number of people killed at an Iranian girls’ school in a strike on Feb. 28. Initial intelligence reports suggest that the US was to blame for the strike, per the New York Times, after the military used a now-defunct set of coordinates to deploy the hit.

7: The number of members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were granted asylum in Australia on Wednesday – including six players and one of the team’s support staff – after they refused to sing the national anthem during the Asian Cup soccer tournament there.

Iran has been upping its threats against the world’s oil supply, striking at least one cargo ship yesterday and reportedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway near Iran through which 20% of global oil supply passes.

In this "ask ian," Ian Bremmer explains why the Trump administration may be looking for a way out of the US–Israel war with Iran, even as Israel appears determined to keep fighting.

As missiles rain down on the Middle East, concerns about a humanitarian emergency are beginning to mount.

There’s a striking gap in how Americans and Israelis view the US-Israeli war on Iran. Polling done by the Israel Democracy Institute showed the attacks have overwhelming support among Israelis.

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