Iran-US tensions

A security personnel sits in a market after markets reopened in Islamabad on April 23, 2026, following heightened security measures amid the ongoing US-Iran peace talks.

Analysis

What UAE’s $3.45B pullback from Pakistan signals about Abu Dhabi's priorities

As Abu Dhabi pulls back long-rolled deposits while investing selectively, Pakistan faces an era of more conditional Gulf support tied to strategic alignment.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Ali Al-Zaidi

Analysis

US banking on Iraqi turnaround with nomination of Zaidi as new PM

Trump signals hope for a "tremendous new chapter” in US-Iraq ties with the nomination of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

Soldiers from Iran's land, navy, air force and special forces parade on the occasion of National Army Day in Tehran, capital of Iran on April 18, 2025, in Tehran, Iran.

Analysis

How Iran is rebuilding its bruised military as ceasefire masks recalibration

Iran is using the fragile truce to recover by blending redeployment and reverse engineering into broader preparedness for renewed conflict.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Ibrahim AMRO / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Without exit strategy, Israel faces emboldened Hezbollah, limited options on Iran

While President Donald Trump remains undecided on striking Iran again, the Israeli military is sinking deeper into its Lebanon quagmire with a reinforced Hezbollah.

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

Latest News

Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know

Iraq's prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, at Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office on April 28, 2026.

Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies

This photo obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim shows an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boat allegedly taking part in an operation to seize ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, on April 21, 2026.

In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf

AFP via Getty Images

Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates

President Donald Trump gives a speech during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn on April 28, 2026, in Washington.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani speaks to the press in front of the Palais Coburg, venue of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) meeting that aims at reviving the Iran nuclear deal, in Vienna on Dec. 27, 2021.

Iran nuclear deal will be a tough sell in Congress

Unless the US and Iran reach an agreement that imposes meaningful, long-term restrictions on Tehran's nuclear activities, any deal reached in Vienna is unlikely to prove politically durable.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (R) speaks during a press conference with his Syrian counterpart in the Iranian capital Tehran, on Dec. 6, 2021.

Foreign minister says Iran sees no 'serious initiative' from US

Ahead of the resumption of talks in Vienna, the US has waived some sanctions.

Iran's Mohammadreza Abdolhamid Geraei (R) fights against Russia's Nazir Rachidovitch Abdullaev in the 67 kg class final match of the Greco-Roman competition during the 2021 World Wrestling Championships in Oslo, Norway, on Oct. 10, 2021.

Iran wrestling team calls off US match after visas denied

Among those denied a visa was Iran’s Wrestling Federation chief, whose “death to America” remarks had stirred controversy.

Iraq economy

Iran’s economic policies lacking vision

Efforts to conceive and execute a coherent economic policy were never going to be easy, but six months into the Raisi administration, the task is growing harder because of internal disagreements over both philosophy and bureaucratic turf.

Yemenis displaced by conflict receive provisions to meet basic needs at a camp in Khokha district on Jan. 31, 2022.

The Takeaway: Yemen’s future may be affected by Iran talks

Iran and Israel; Iran and China; Iran and Turkey; Hamas alternative to "Fauda"; and more … all in less than 1,400 words.

ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images

Iran says conditions present for 'win-win' agreement with US

Though direct talks with the United States remain a non-starter, Tehran's top nuclear negotiator has shared some hope with Iranian lawmakers.

Iran's former top nuclear negotiator and former presidential candidate Saeed Jalili talks to the media after registering his candidacy for the June presidential elections, at the Interior Ministry in the capital Tehran, on May 15, 2021.

Iranian supreme leader’s aide suggests pursuing 90% enrichment

In a letter to Iran’s supreme leader, the hard-line former chief negotiator reportedly proposed ramping up enrichment to 90%.

US President Joe Biden meets with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, in the White House on Jan. 31, 2022, in Washington, DC.

Iran on the agenda as Qatar emir meets Biden

There is potential Doha could play a role in brokering a US-Iran prisoner exchanging following press reports of Iran-Qatar talks on the topic.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wears a face mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on June 18, 2021.

Khamenei says max pressure led to US 'humiliation'

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that despite hardships brought about by Washington's maximum pressure strategy, Iran’s economy is enduring.

Ali Shamkhani (R) meets with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Tehran on Dec. 6, 2021.

Top Iran security official retracts comments on talks with US

The powerful politician had faced piling pressure from hard-liners over suggesting that Iran could at some point directly engage with the United States if a “good deal” was within reach.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian meets with IAEA director general Rafael Grossi at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Tehran, Nov. 23, 2021.

Iranian press calls direct talks with US a 'trap'

The merits of talking with the United States are being debated in Iranian media after recent comments by the foreign minister.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani leaves the Palais Coburg in Vienna on Dec. 27, 2021.

Iran signals readiness for direct talks with US

Amid reported piecemeal progress toward a potential deal, the Iranian government says it has been offered direct talks with the United States in the course of the ongoing multilateral nuclear negotiations in Vienna.