The story: Iran’s parliament has voted to exempt the armed forces, intelligence ministry, and the nuclear energy organization from coordinating their international engagements with the foreign ministry. The move has been strongly criticized by Reformists, who accuse the conservative-dominated legislature of trying to weaken the ministry.

If the legislation becomes law, it could indicate a further strengthening of the intelligence and security apparatus—especially since conservative President Ebrahim Raisi took office in 2021.

The coverage: Lawmakers on Oct. 24 voted in favor of allowing the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), the intelligence ministry, and the military to coordinate their foreign relations without...