Samia Nakhoul
Coverage of Samia Nakhoul in the Nexus archive.
- Exclusive-Iran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikes
Iran has warned Gulf states that any new U.S. attack on its territory would trigger retaliation against critical energy infrastructure across the region. This follows President Trump's July 28 threat to strike Iran's energy network and infrastructure.
- Analysis-How Iran is widening its pressure campaign to force US concessions
Iran is using Middle East trade routes, shipping lanes, and energy infrastructure as pressure points to raise confrontation costs with the US without triggering full-scale war, according to Gulf officials and analysts. The strategy involves calibrated escalation to force US concessions by outlasting Washington.
- Can China restrain Iran? Gulf states test Beijing's influence
Gulf Arab states are relying on China's economic leverage over Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, testing Beijing's ability to pressure Tehran as the Iran war escalates.
- Analysis-Israel-Lebanon deal may entrench stalemate rather than end war, analysts say
A security deal between Israel and Lebanon risks entrenching a stalemate instead of ending the war with Hezbollah. The deal ties Israel's withdrawal to Hezbollah's disarmament, which the group has rejected, and no Lebanese government can enforce it.