A woman walks past a mural depicting a U.S. drone painted on the outer walls of the former U.S. embassy in Tehran, colloquially-referred to as the "Spy Den," on Feb. 1, 2026. (Credit: Atta Kenare/AFP)
In 2015, the countries of the Middle East, much to their frustration, were the ones left out in the Vienna agreement. Today, they are front and center in the U.S.-Iran negotiations, replacing the Europeans.These countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, alongside Israel, now play a significant role when it comes to Iran, as the threat of a wider war looms over the region.This shift owes largely to Donald Trump’s return to the White House, as the threats coming out of Iran have grown increasingly acute since Oct. 7 and the war in Gaza. Catch up with the analysis Iran-US talks already on fragile footing Trump not only sidelined the Europeans in global affairs but also elevated his regional partners, who now leverage their access to influence his decisions, especially after Israel’s war...
In 2015, the countries of the Middle East, much to their frustration, were the ones left out in the Vienna agreement. Today, they are front and center in the U.S.-Iran negotiations, replacing the Europeans.These countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, alongside Israel, now play a significant role when it comes to Iran, as the threat of a wider war looms over the region.This shift owes largely to Donald Trump’s return to the White House, as the threats coming out of Iran have grown increasingly acute since Oct. 7 and the war in Gaza. Catch up with the analysis Iran-US talks already on fragile footing Trump not only sidelined the Europeans in global affairs but also elevated his regional partners, who now leverage their access to influence his decisions, especially after Israel’s...
Rubio condemns Iran's 'outrageous' attacks on Kuwait