Iranian-American author and activist, co-founder of the Quincy Institute
The Iran war has continued with the regime maintaining control despite international pressure. Diaspora protests on American soil and crackdowns on religious minorities signal a protracted crisis. Analysts say Tehran’s leadership remains intact while Western actors reassess their strategy and sanctions relief is debated amid reconstruction plans.
The United States is pursuing a coordinated approach to Iran-related talks as Vice President JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio push rival tracks on Middle East diplomacy. The White House is weighing frameworks to end the Iran war while negotiations over Lebanon and Israel shape the final agreement.
Darline Graham Nordone has been appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to fill the late Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat for the remainder of the term, with a special election to determine a longer-term successor. President Trump has publicly endorsed the appointment, highlighting family ties as observers question democracy implications. The appointment will last until January 2027.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact, but President Donald Trump has said the deal is conditional on Riyadh normalising relations with Israel. Officials and commentators are disputing whether the White House and Energy Department coordinated the announcement. Critics warn the pact weakens non‑proliferation safeguards and could spur a regional arms race.