Iran protests

MUSCAT, OMAN - MARCH 25: Locals take photos of two bulk carriers anchored at Muscat Anchorage on March 25, 2026 in Muscat, Oman. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which conveys about 20% of the world's oil and gas, has mostly come to a halt after the joint U.S.-Israeli war with Iran that began on February 28. Iran, in a defiant reply to a ceasefire proposal from the United States, has claimed that sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz "is its natural and legal right." Under international law, t

Iran says Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' to ships

Iran’s foreign minister said on Friday that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain secure for the duration of the Israel-Lebanon truce.

A fuel truck CarbOil services an Easyjet aircraft at Milan's Malpensa Airport on April 13, 2026.

Eurozone's inflation jumps 2.6%, jet fuel shortages loom amid Iran war

Inflation has been soaring globally amid an energy supply crunch caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranians carry the coffin of one of the people killed in a shooting attack, during their funeral in the city of Izeh in Iran's Khuzestan province, on November 18, 2022. In some of the worst violence since the protests erupted, assailants on motorbikes shot dead seven people, including a woman and two children aged nine and 13, at a central market of Izeh on the evening of November 16, 2022, state media said. (Photo by ALIREZA MOHAMMADI / isna / AFP) (Photo by ALIREZA MOHAMMADI/isna/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran arrests Ahwazi separatist leader amid war crackdown: What to know

The Islamic Republic has detained hundreds of people in Khuzestan province, home to Iran’s largest Arab community.

People gather under a large portrait of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, during a memorial to mark the 40th day since his father, Ali Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli joint strikes, on April 9, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.

Analysis

Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression

Despite the ceasefire, pressure is mounting inside Iran: arrests are rising, the internet remains largely shut down, and millions face deep economic uncertainty.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Jet fuel squeeze exposes Europe’s reliance on Middle East supply

Exhaust emits from the engine of a passenger jet as it prepares for take off at Heathrow Airport on March 30, 2006, in London, England.

No ships transit Hormuz as Iran plans safe-passage tolls: What to know

This photograph shows the Malta-flagged container ship CMA CGM "pollon Valletta and the Panamean-flagged Wood Chips carrier Green Sapphire in the sea in Fos-sur-Mer, southern France, on March 25, 2026.

Meet Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, IRGC-vetted figure at center of US talks

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (C) waves as he returns to his car after visiting the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Beirut's Basta neighbourhood, on October 12, 2024. At least 22 people were killed in Israeli strikes on a densely populated area of central Beirut on October 10, the Lebanese health ministry said, with a security source saying a Hezbollah figure was the target. (Photo by Ibrahim AMRO / AFP) (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Iran’s longest-ever internet blackout leaves 99% offline: What to know

Traffic rolls along a main throughfare under a banner with images of past and present leaders that reads in Farsi, "Domino fall", as daily life returns to the streets following nationwide protests, in the Iranian capital Tehran on January 19, 2026. Demonstrations sparked in late December by anger over economic hardship exploded into protests widely seen as the biggest challenge to the Iranian leadership in years. Limited internet access briefly returned in Iran before dropping again, a monitor said January

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

US President Donald Trump gestures after holding a signing ceremony for the “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum on Jan. 22, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland.

Feature

Trump’s Iran threats deepen fears over detained Americans

The US military buildup could serve as powerful leverage for the administration to press for the release of Americans detained in Iran.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

EU nears terror listing of Iran’s IRGC as France, Spain flip: What to know

France and Spain had previously opposed the designation of the IRGC, arguing that the move could curtail any chance of dialogue with Tehran.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to examine US policy towards Venezuela on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, Jan. 28, 2026.

Rubio says 'thousands' killed in Iran, US prepping for threats against personnel

The top American diplomat’s comments follow US President Donald Trump saying an “armada” is heading toward Iran.

A B model of Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA (Assault Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) in the sky on March 2, 2022 in Corlu, Turkey.

Turkey arrests 6 in alleged Iran IRGC spy plot involving armed drones

Turkish authorities arrested six people accused of spying for Tehran, as Ankara works on plans to contain security risks and refugee fallout from potential US strikes on Iran.

Men use their mobile phones while sitting at a coffee shop in Tehran, on Jan. 7, 2026.

Iran internet blackout estimated to cost $37M+ daily, crippling businesses and society

The ongoing digital disconnection is severely stalling commerce, draining millions of dollars daily and pushing many businesses toward collapse.

trump

Analysis

As Trump weighs Iran diplomacy, Israel uneasy but could accept deal

Despite the United States deploying significant naval forces to the region, Israel regrets a strike against Iran was not carried out two weeks ago.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Galaxy Leader

Yemen’s Houthis hint at Red Sea attacks as US-Iran tensions rise: What to know

The Houthi warnings come as a US aircraft carrier accompanied by several guided missile destroyers entered Gulf waters amid tensions with Iran.

An Oscar statue at the red carpet at the 96th Annual Academy Awards, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, California, March 9, 2024.

Culture

'Gesture of resistance': Gaza war and Iran repression in Oscars spotlight

This year’s Oscars nominations include Middle Eastern films whose themes of war, government violence and protest have shone a spotlight on politics at home.

This photograph shows an Iranian national flag installed on the Beheshti Mosque that was damaged during recent public protests, in Tehran on Jan. 21, 2026.

Analysis

Proxies, maritime pressure, power plays: Iran’s options if US strikes

A military strike risks entrenching hard-liners in Tehran if Washington fails to accomplish regime change driven by a clear endgame.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, speaks during the 69th annual International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) general conference on Sept. 15, 2025 in Vienna, Austria.

Interview

Grossi: IAEA seeks return to Syria as Kurdish unrest delays nuclear inspections

Hostilities between the Syrian government and the Kurdish administration in the northeast have slowed the IAEA’s monitoring of the country’s nuclear facilities, Rafael Grossi said in an interview with Al-Monitor from Davos.

Rafael Grossi

Rafael Grossi

IAEA Director General

People attend a pro-government rally on Jan. 12, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.

Iran ramps up crackdown, vows 'to cut off hand' that threatens Khamenei

Iran doubled down on the narrative that the protesters were "Israel-linked mercenaries," as international calls grew for the regime's accountability after its bloody crackdown on the unrest.

A protester holds up a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a demonstration near the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad, on Jan. 16, 2026.

Analysis

Israel assesses Iran protest wave over, regrets not targeting Khamenei

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu might have influenced the US decision not to strike Tehran, but several Israeli experts believe that persuading US President Trump to hold back constitutes a generational tragedy.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense