Iran’s IRGC begins naval drills in Strait of Hormuz on eve of US-Iran talks The drills come as a second US carrier is heading to the region amid US President Trump’s threats to use military force if Tehran does not agree to restrictions on its nuclear program during indirect negotiations mediated by Oman. Iran
Analysis How Iran harnesses digital repression, China tech ties to quash dissent Though Iran’s street protests have largely subsided, the struggle has shifted to the digital front, where a complex infrastructure of servers, satellites and centralized controls is being used to stifle dissent. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Netanyahu 'skeptical' as Trump doubles down on Iran diplomacy President Trump says he’d prefer a deal but warns of "traumatic” consequences for Iran if diplomacy fails. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iran fires TV director over 'Death to Khamenei' blunder: What to know Iranian authorities have stepped up their crackdown on journalists who covered the recent anti-regime protests. Iran
Analysis Moving Iran talks from Turkey to Oman deepens Ankara’s PKK concerns By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis From 'help is on the way' to nuclear talks, Iranians wary of Trump's shift By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iran police chief makes rare visit to Russia for surveillance deals The police commander's trip came against the backdrop of Iran's months-long unrest and reports that Tehran has been seeking Moscow's advice and surveillance equipment to crack down on dissent. Iran
Interview Oman FM says US, Iran 'close' on prisoner deal Oman's foreign minister told Al-Monitor that the two sides are ironing out the details on a deal to release the prisoners. Sayyid Badr Albusaidi Foreign Minister of Oman
IAEA chief rebuffs Israeli criticism, says Iran meets 'fraction' of commitments IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted that Iran made positive steps in enabling the inspection of its nuclear sites but is still a long way from fulfilling the March 4 agreement commitments. Iran
US sanctions Iranian firm over internet censorship The Treasury Department says that the technology company Arvan Cloud has a close and collaborative relationship with Iran's intelligence services. Iran
Iran, Belgium complete prisoner swap mediated by Oman Belgian national Olivier Vandecasteele was released from prison in Iran in an Oman-mediated exchange deal. Iran
New EU sanctions on Iran target Basij, judiciary after executions The foreign ministers of the European Union have adopted an eighth round of sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities responsible for serious breaches of human rights. Iran
Iran hangs 3 protesters in Isfahan as executions soar Iran rebuffed calls by rights groups to prevent the execution of three protesters who were reportedly forced into confessions. Iran
Israeli FM in Sweden, applauds move to blacklist Iran's IRGC Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has turned a new page in bilateral relations with Sweden, hoping to cooperate on economic opportunities as well as battle antisemitism and the Iranian regime. Israel
France welcomes Iran's release of two detained citizens as four remain Benjamin Briere and Bernard Phelan are on their way home back to France, leaving four French nationals still held prisoner in Iran. Iran
Sweden-Iran ties strained even more after resolution to blacklist IRGC Following the execution of Iranian-Swedish dual national Habib Chaab, the Swedish parliament adopted with an overwhelming majority a resolution calling to blacklist the IRGC. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
What is behind Iran’s execution spree as Tehran hangs 10 prisoners this week? The United Nations estimated that more than 200 people have been executed this year so far, as authorities battle internal protests. Iran
Iran official sacked as fears of China's economic influence grow While the comment infuriated the sitting government, to many it was an honest slip of the tongue about the extent of the crisis in Iran's cash-strapped economy, stirring up also speculation on Chinese "colonial-style" influence. Iran
