The drone strike on Qasem Soleimani was unlawful, the report finds, but weak analysis undercuts its conclusion.

The prospect of a Biden administration has pro-US leaders in the Middle East seeking to keep their political “winnings”.

The crisis reveals fundamental failures: a politicised health system, multiple power centres, and no respect for law.

The US policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran will look increasingly untenable as the coronavirus pandemic escalates.

The American journalist – also once a prisoner in Tehran – wants Australia to push to end Iran’s state hostage-taking.

Through military and diplomatic manoeuvres, Russia has signalled its stance on further US intervention in the region.

Yet the Kurds may gamble to play the two adversaries off against each other to finally achieve an independent state.

Iran’s demonstration in last’s week strike at US bases will have effects around the world.

As questions around the Flight 752 disaster persist, Iranian politicians seek cover.

Doubts over legality and intelligence (and impeachment) didn't keep the US president from claiming a big win.

If Tehran pursues further retaliation for the US strike on a top commander, its neighbour to the east is an easy mark.

Tehran may further strike back over Soleimani, but it has freely carried out attacks across the region for a long time.

For the US, escalation and de-escalation with Iran and North Korea require greater international coordination.

The hit on Qasem Soleimani has fundamentally changed the rules of the game between the US and Iran.

It’s not clear how Iran for all its bluster of revenge will be able to hit back at the US.

After a bad month, the regime in Tehran might be floundering, but it is far from falling.

The recent protests in Iran illustrate the cost of ignoring the vulnerability of the poor.

The most damaging unrest since the 1979 revolution lacks leadership or popular support, so appears doomed to fail.

Iran’s offer to connect Chabahar port to Pakistan’s Gwadar will frustrate India but might also encourage China.

If Tehran gave the green light to a strike in Saudi Arabia, why now, just as a Trump-Rouhani meeting seemed possible?

With global energy markets rattled, the tit-for-tat exchanges have reached a new level.

If Iran’s Foreign Minister wants to speak at UN headquarters in New York, is the US obliged to issue him a visa?

For how long will Scott Morrison be able to insist the build-up of a US-led coalition is “separate” to wider tensions?

Coalition ships and aircraft may escort ships through the strait but legally they cannot patrol in or over the strait.

Scott Morrison backed the Iran nuclear deal to reinforce “the rules-based international system”, only to be Trumped.

Australia will back the US and join a maritime force in the Persian Gulf, but with no rush to deploy – which is telling.

The UK has made a premature break with what should be a collective response to a crisis in Europe’s near-abroad.

Politics more than military necessity will decide if Australia backs Trump’s push for a Persian Gulf security force.

Iran’s retaliation after an earlier tanker seizure should have been obvious, so why wasn’t Britain better prepared?

Hardliners in Tehran might underestimate Washington’s reluctance to fight while overestimating their control at home.

Even without direct conflict, Washington’s tensions with Tehran pose an awkward alliance challenge for Canberra.

Washington is finding maximum pressure campaigns have limitations and bringing along friends and allies could help.

The US was quick to blame Iran for the oil tankers stricken in the Oman Gulf, yet will Donald Trump convince the world?

The US hasn’t got much to show a year after pulling out of the nuclear deal, but Iran’s patience is also running out.

Donald Trump is undermining much more than just the nuclear deal with Iran, but faith in international law, too.

The Trump administration calls it “maximum pressure” but Washington’s ability to further squeeze Tehran is constrained.

The visit by Syria’s Bashar al-Assad carried far deeper meaning in the tension between Iran’s hardliners and moderates.

The Jerusalem embassy debate has overshadowed a potential shift in Australia’s longstanding independent stance on Iran.

The 1955 Treaty of Amity has offered a chance to resolve disputes between the US and Iran. Abandoning it carries a cost.

The US decision to re-impose nuclear sanctions on Iran has significant implications for European businesses.

The sight of the EU and Iran jointly announcing a plan to blunt a signature US initiative must infuriate Washington.

Blasting the Islamic Republic is low-hanging fruit for an embattled President to please his base ahead of midterms.

Bombing Iran has been spoken of, allegedly planned and threatened for years, but there is no sign it is about to occur.

<p>Washington’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran has created a test for New Delhi’s relations with Tehran.</p>

Getting more out of North Korea may be a good reason behind Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal.

<p>The EU had more than a year to plan, but instead sought to downplay Trump’s statements and appease him.</p>

Calm heads must prevail – no one will gain from a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

A marathon trip to find that, no matter where you go, people are people.

Perhaps France’s Emmanuel Macron can convince Trump he will retain far more leverage over Iran within the existing nuclear deal.

Jostling over Syria offers a glimpse of emerging alliances and compromises as the US-led security order winds down.