Al-Monitor – The United States is stepping up its efforts to curb Iran’s regional reach and influence, premised on the belief that Tehran has never been so powerful in the Middle East. But Iran’s powerful hand is not merely a reflection of its successful strategic conduct. It has also come about as a result of its rivals’ miscalculated regional policies.

Al-Monitor – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s comments that his country would abide by US sanctions has taken Iranian media by surprise.

Radiofarda – Only days after the announcement of President Hassan Rouhani’s new forex policy, the value of Iranian national currency rial nosedived once again on the country’s open market.

Radiofarda – Russia, Iran and Turkey told a meeting of the Syria humanitarian taskforce on Thursday that they would do their utmost to avoid a battle that would threaten millions of civilians in rebel-held Idlib, U.N. humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland said, according to Reuters.

Radiofarda – Debates at the Iranian parliament (Majles) on Wednesday August 8 shed light on a web of alleged corruption, blackmailing, embezzlement, bribery and mishandling of public funds, Iranian press and social media activists say.

Radiofarda – Iran’s utmost authority Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Islamic Republic had nothing to be concerned about, a report on his official website said on Wednesday, as the country’s clerical leadership faces biting U.S. sanctions.

Radiofarda – A controversial comment made by an Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) General has thrust him under the spotlight.

Iran-HRM – Fact sheet on the suppression of protests in Iran

Al-Arabia – The Iranian regime is facing a major challenge as the first round of new US sanctions come into effect on Monday.

RFL/RE – An Iranian naval exercise involving dozens of small boats around the Strait of Hormuz last week was intended as a message to the United States for reimposing economic sanctions on Tehran, a top U.S. commander has said.