U.S. leaders know that any attempt to thwart Tehran's ambitions must start by restricting the movements of its most powerful military branch, the IRGC. But that strategy will almost certainly backfire.
A U.S. recognition of Israeli claims on land it captured in 1967 could open the door for other territorial disputes to be settled by force.
Javad Zarif's attempted resignation has drawn attention to significant political infighting behind the scenes in Tehran, with the direction of Iranian policy toward the United States and the West hanging in the balance.
To appease Washington, Europe has begun upping the pressure on Iran's regional behavior and ballistic missile program -- risking its remaining influence over Tehran's nuclear activities.
As the noose of U.S. sanctions tightens, Iran looks for economic wiggle room through its partnership with China.
A strong response by Tehran would prompt an even tougher Israeli counterstrike, and could cause a deadly escalation.
Germany, France and the United Kingdom will be the primary backers of the trade channel with Iran known as INSTEX. The United States, however, has already threatened to sanction it.
U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pull U.S. forces out of Syria could benefit both enemies and allies, as well as harm America's credibility as an ally.
Just as it avoids direct confrontation with the U.S. on the battlefield, Tehran will avoid an all-out war in the digital arena. But it will also use online proxies and mercenaries to mask its involvement in lower-level cyberattacks.
New Delhi is trying to hold on to its Iranian oil imports and avoid angering Washington, which has become its most important strategic partner.
