Iraqi Airways announces the resumption of flights between Iraq and Iran

Six months after a conflict that rattled markets and pushed the Gulf to the brink of a wider war, the tide may be turning against Iran as Washington unleashes an unprecedented economic offensive to achieve what military force could not.

Iran said it will step up efforts to tackle problems created by the U.S. sanctions that are crippling its economy, while a senior Iranian official warned of a "painful response" if it comes under further attack.

Following the announcement that it had achieved "operational control" of the Ali Taher ridge, the Israeli military is reportedly preparing to reduce troop levels in southern Lebanon and shrink the footprint of its occupied "buffer zone," according to several Israeli security officials cited by Israel's Channel Kan 11.