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Iranian short-range missile (Tondar) is test-launched during war games in Qom, 120 kms south of Tehran, on September 27, 2009. Iran test-fired three short-range missiles as the Islamic republic began war games at a time of heightened tension with the West over its controversial nuclear programme. AFP PHOTO/SHAIEGAN/FARS NEWS (Photo by SHAIGAN / FARS NEWS / AFP) (Photo by SHAIGAN/FARS NEWS/AFP via Getty Images)

What we know about Fordow, Iran's secretive nuclear site Israel struggles to hit

A recent report indicated that Israel might need US help to hit Fordow, a heavily fortified facility located up to 300 feet underground.

Iran

Analysis

As prospects of US strikes loom, can Iran's regime avert collapse?

The Iranian government engaged in a frenzy of diplomatic efforts to try to halt relentless Israeli strikes and thwart possible collapse amid reports suggesting possible US involvement in support of the Israeli campaign.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Flags flutter along a bridge as a plume of heavy smoke and fire rise from an oil refinery in southern Tehran, after it was hit in an overnight Israeli strike, on June 15, 2025. Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles at Israel, state television announced early on June 15, as the rivals exchanged fire for a third day. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

With over 85% imported, Turkey braces for energy ripples of Iran-Israel war

Rising oil prices threaten Turkey’s fragile economy amid escalating regional tensions, while energy supply risks grow.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Trump calls Khamenei 'easy target,' says 'we' control Iran's skies

The president said the United States knew Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's whereabouts and called for Iran's surrender without conditions.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

A US soldier keeps watch during a patrol in Syria's northeastern city Qamishli, in the Hasakeh province, mostly controlled by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), on Jan. 9, 2025.

Exclusive

US troops in Syria's Kurdish northeast will remain in single base near Rmeilan oil fields

The consolidation comes as tensions rise between Iran and Israel, heightening risks for remaining US forces.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Latest News

Analysis

As Israel-Iran strikes escalate, Russia weighs risks and opportunities

TEHRAN, IRAN - JUNE 15: People observe fire and smoke from an Israeli attack on the Shahran oil depot on June 15, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Iran's foreign minister said the country would respond "decisively and proportionally" to a wave of attacks that Israel launched beginning in the early hours of June 13. The attacks targeted multiple military, scientific and residential locations, as well as senior government officials. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)

By Nikita Smagin

China, India, EU countries evacuate citizens from Iran and Israel

Israel

Trump dismisses top US intelligence assessment on Iran: What to know

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, with US President Donald Trump, speaks after she was sworn in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Feb. 12, 2025.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

First ships pull back from Hormuz as Israel-Iran war drags on: What to know

In this handout photo provided by the US Navy, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transits the Strait of Hormuz as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Nightdippers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 lifts off from the flight deck, Nov. 19, 2019.

Iran

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Mourners at a funeral for victims of an Iranian missile attack which destroyed a three-storey building in the northern city of Tamra

'What are these wars for?': Arab town in Israel shattered by Iran strike

Agence France-Presse

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters about the G7 Summit aboard Air Force One while travelling back to Washington from Canada

Iran confronts Trump with toughest choice yet

Agence France-Presse

Israel has been striking Iran for five days

Escalation or diplomacy? Outcome of Iran-Israel conflict uncertain

Agence France-Presse

An Iranian woman in the Iraqi town of Ayn Tamr weeps after receiving word that a relative was killed in Israeli strikes back home

Iranian pilgrims in Iraq long to return home

Agence France-Presse

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On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Israel wants regime change or a failed state in Iran

Amberin Zaman interviews Hamidreza Azizi

The Al-Monitor Brief

Israel-Iran strikes: what’s next for the Middle East, US?

Adam Lucente interviews Joyce Karam, Ezgi Akin, Rina Bassist, Jared Szuba, Beatrice Farhat, Rosaleen Carroll, Sam Wendel, Jack Dutton

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Trump administration has 'expectations' for Syria amid sanctions relief, Sharaa assassination fears

Adam Lucente interviews Elizabeth Hagedorn

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Syria’s central bank chief: US sanctions relief a ‘turning point’

People queue outside the main headquarters of the Central Bank of Syria to exchange US dollars at prices lower than the black market, in Damascus on December 30, 2024. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP) (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Abdulkader Husrieh

Syrian central bank governor

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Qatar’s digital future offers opportunities in AI, energy, says head of US-Qatar Business Council

Sheikha Mayes Al Thani

Managing Director, US-Qatar Business Council

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Ayalon: Netanyahu firing Shin Bet chief to shield inner circle from Qatar probe

Ami Ayalon, a candidate for the Israeli Labor Party leadership, arrives to vote in the second and decisive round of party primaries on June 12, 2007, in Geva Carmel, northern Israel.

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US believes Syria’s Sharaa at risk of assassination, Trump envoy says

Tom Barrack

US special envoy for Syria

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

With over 85% imported, Turkey braces for energy ripples of Iran-Israel war

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Analysis

As Israel-Iran strikes escalate, Russia weighs risks and opportunities

By Nikita Smagin

Analysis

Risks outweigh opportunity for Turkey as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

As prospects of US strikes loom, can Iran's regime avert collapse?

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Al-Monitor chief correspondent Amberin Zaman interviews H.E. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The Future of Energy and Power in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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1:38:51

Al-Monitor's State Department Correspondent Elizabeth Hagedorn stands on a balcony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia reporting on President Trump's trip to the Gulf.

President Trump's Visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE

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Plestia Alaqad on Gaza and South Lebanon

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US investor Steve Witkoff attends the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 18, 2024.

Who is Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff?

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AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright

On May 22, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington DC to discuss the future of power and energy in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Washington, DC

May 22, 2025 10:30 EDT

Past Live Journalism

AI, innovation & global growth: Dr. Marwan Al-Zarouni & Dr. Alaa Murabit speak at event in Washington

Al-Monitor Global Institute hosted Dr. Marwan Al-Zarouni, chief AI officer at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, alongside Dr. Alaa Murabit, senior advisor at 500 Global, for a high-level conversation on how AI is accelerating innovation and transforming global economic development.

Washington, DC

April 23, 2025 16:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

UAE presidential advisor HE Dr. Anwar Gargash speaks at AL-Monitor event during UNGA

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, AL-Monitor hosted HE Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, for an off-the-record dinner and discussion at Le Jardinier of the Bastion Collection. The event was attended by thought and business leaders as well as former officials.

New York City, NY

September 26, 2024 18:00 EDT

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