Taylor Luck

Saudi Arabia hoped that diplomacy would prevent war with Iran. Having come under Iranian attack, the Saudi government is now exploring its own military options.

Before the Iran war, regional powers were rushing for a diplomatic solution to rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Now, facing President Donald Trump's threats of a civilization's obliteration, those efforts are at a global peak.

Pakistan is set to mediate talks between the United States and Iran. But across the Middle East, there is little optimism about what comes next, even if a U.S.-Iran deal comes together.

Even before the Iran war, launched against Gulf Arabs' advice, sentiment in the region toward Israel was souring over its Palestinian policies. But distrust has deepened over Israel's conduct of the war, and amid concerns over Israel's expanding power.

Iran's missile attacks and its closing of the Strait of Hormuz have cost the oil-producing Gulf Arab states untold billions. In response, they are moving to arm themselves against a military threat that hasn't been erased, and construct workarounds to the Hormuz choke point.

Iran’s missile attacks and its closing of the Strait of Hormuz have cost the oil-producing Gulf Arab states untold billions. In response, they are moving to arm themselves against a military threat that hasn’t been erased, and construct workarounds to the Hormuz choke point.

Municipal elections called by the Palestinian Authority and allowed by Hamas are being held Saturday in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, coinciding with voting in the West Bank. It's the first time since 2005 that Gazans anywhere are able to vote. Water and sanitation are on the ballot, as is, symbolically, Palestinian national unity.

For years, the business-friendly United Arab Emirates had sought regional normalization. Now, after being targeted by Iran, it is pushing the United States to demand greater concessions from Tehran, and is pressing its neighbors to cooperate militarily.

Before the war, Qatar had built itself into a diplomatic power by mediating disputes near and far. Hit hard by Iran, the tiny Persian Gulf country is not wavering in that mission, seen as central to its identity. Still, it recognizes it has security needs, too.

Mixed signals surround the U.S.-Iran negotiations, but a bloc of Mideast middle powers is assertively pushing for a ceasefire.