Iran - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Iran cover image

Iran

November 7, 2026

Tehran 4:29 am

14°C

Tump

Can Trump turn midterm defeat into Iran breakthrough?

Although Iran may have contributed to Republican losses in midterms, the Trump administration still has a historic opportunity in the Middle East.

ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images

As Trump weighs Iran strikes, possible nuclear opening emerges

Sticking points include Iran's highly enriched uranium and lack of access for international inspectors.

Russian Mil Mi-8 military helicopters fly over a joint Russian and Turkish convoy, northeastern Hasakeh province, Syria, Feb. 4, 2021.

Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports

Multiple recent reports reveal increased Russian support for Iran, including weapons and intelligence sharing.

Latest News

Turkey says soldier killed by gunfire from Iran at border: What to know

A sign marking the border of Turkey in Van, Turkey, on March 14, 2026.

Explainer

Democrats’ midterm sweep tests US-Israel ties as Eisenkot vows reset

An aerial view shows a campaign billboard depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party and President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, on Oct. 26, 2026, on the eve of Israel's legislative elections.

Analysis

Iran cheers Democrats’ midterm victory but fears Trump's next move

Iranians walk along a building installed with a giant poster depicting Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during a rally in front of the former US embassy to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, in Tehran on Nov. 4, 2026.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

From Tehran to Tel Aviv, Democrats’ midterm triumph sparks Middle East reactions

The sun sets on the US Capitol on Election Day evening on Nov. 3, 2026 in Washington.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

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

Sabena Siddiqui

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

A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Benjamin Houghton

In Durham, reporting on China in the Middle East

Rahim Rahimov

In Baku, reporting on Middle East-Caucasus ties

Mehrnaz Samimi

In Washington, DC, reporting on Iranian culture

Iran’s Shahid Bagheri drone carrier joins the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' (IRGC) naval fleet during a ceremony in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on February 6, 2025.

Iran’s IRGC unveils first drone carrier warship

The new warship is the latest locally made addition to Iran’s growing military arsenal.

Sweden

Iran summons Sweden's ambassador after Shiite cleric arrest

The Shiite Islamic center run by the Iranian cleric has been accused of posing threats to Sweden's national security and spying on Swedish citizens as well as exiled Iranians.

Iranian naval vessels arrive at the Port of Khalid in Sharjah, on Feb. 4, 2024.

UAE welcomes Iran naval delegation & ships in first such visit: What we know

The Emirati Defense Ministry said that four Iranian naval vessels arrived at the Port of Khalid in Sharjah on Tuesday for a three-day unprecedented visit.

An Iranian navy warship takes part in the "National Persian Gulf Day" in the Strait of Hormuz, April 30, 2019.

Iran to send four naval ships to UAE for rare meeting: What to know

The announcement of the first-ever visit came a day after Iran unveiled a new ballistic missile.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu participate in a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on Sept. 15, 2020, in Washington, DC.

Netanyahu first foreign leader to meet Trump Tuesday: What to expect

While President Donald trump is expected to push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to go through with the second phase of the hostage deal, the Israeli leader is expected to ask the American president to turn up the heat on Tehran.

A Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter takes off during an air show at the Teknofest festival at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul on Sept. 17, 2019.

Analysis

Is Iran’s purchase of Russian Su-35 jets game changer as tensions brew with Israel?

Iran likely hopes its recent purchase of Su-35 fighter jets from Russia will revitalize its aging air force as tensions escalate with militarily superior Israel.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

1950

Iran’s Baha’is face escalating persecution amid crackdown: What to know

The United Nations has expressed concern over persecution of Baha'is in Iran as arrests mount.

khamenei

Iran's Khamenei cautiously leaves door open for diplomacy with Trump

In his latest statements, Ali Khamenei did not rule out talks with the United States, marking a shift from his uncompromising anti-US approach in recent years.

US Navy via Getty Images

Iran confirms purchase of Russia’s Sukhoi-35 fighter jets: What we know

Iran and Russia have grown closer since the start of the Ukraine war as the two countries face international sanctions.

Workers weld a first juncture of the oil pipeline eastern Siberia on Oct. 13, 2006.

Analysis

How significant is Russia-Iran gas pipeline deal via Azerbaijan?

Iran and Russia's partnership continues to expand, as talks of an energy pipeline to transport Russian gas to Iran through Azerbaijan take shape.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

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

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard boats attack a naval vessel during a three-day military drill in the Gulf on April 22, 2010. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards launched a new "ultra-fast" boat capable of causing high destruction after testing it in a key oil supply route, at the start of a three-day military drill. AFP PHOTO/FARS NEWS/MEHDI MARIZAD (Photo credit should read MEHDI MARIZAD/AFP via Getty Images)

As Trump returns, Iran's IRGC steps up Hormuz military drills: What to know

Iran's influential hard-liners have long argued that closure of the oil-strategic strait can serve as a bargaining chip in any confrontation with Israel and the United States.

People carry a banner during a march demanding truth and justice for Kurdish activists, Paris, Jan. 11, 2025.

27 Kurdish civilians, activists arrested in Iran following protests

After protests over the death sentences of Kurdish political prisoners, Iranian authorities arrested at least 27 people across the Kurdistan region.