Iran

Saudi Arabia moves to consolidate Arab and Muslim support, anticipating intensified confrontation or diplomacy.

While some urge confrontation, powerful voices of reason emerge.

Iran's political factions appear to have their own distinct perceptions of the Trump administration’s Iran policy and try hard to take advantage of that policy in their factional struggle for power.

The end to oil-import waivers comes just as OPEC and its allies were starting to enjoy the fruits of their oil production cut agreement, and the fallout from the policy to drive Iranian exports down to zero is already being felt in the volatile oil market.

Khamenei’s moves to consolidate his power have led to growing speculation in Iran that the position of its president – current or future – will be far less significant in how the country is led.

Rouhani's trip to Iraq and Assad's to Iran show that Tehran and its allies are determined to maintain alliances.

The return of U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s energy, banking, and shipping sectors is expected to put more pressure on the Iranian economy in 2019.

Western cohesion on Iran and Arab-Israeli cooperation both seem stalled as headaches mount for Tehran.