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Iran

September 16, 2026

Tehran 4:45 am

22°C

Houthi fighters marching

Analysis

How far will Iran push Houthis against Saudi Arabia amid raging conflict?

As Iran-backed Houthis broaden attacks on Saudi Arabia, Tehran's delicate calculation is exploiting the current conflict without being dragged into an escalation of its own making.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities shout slogans during a rally to recruit more fighters, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Sept. 10, 2026.

Analysis

Why Saudi Arabia's balancing act with US, Iran, Houthis risks collapse

Houthi rebels escalated their attacks on Tuesday, triggering alerts around the holy city of Mecca, Taif and the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Houthi

Exclusive

Houthi top diplomat says no intention to shut down Red Sea shipping, group open to talks

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Acting Foreign Minister of the Houthi-led administration Abdulwahid Abu Ras said concerns over a potential closure of the Red Sea are being fueled by Saudi Arabia.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Latest News

US hits major Russian bank VTB with Iran-linked sanctions

VTB Bank in Moscow

Third Sunni cleric killed in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan Province: What to know

Milak border crossing near the town of Zabol, Iran

Analysis

Saudi pipeline shutdown exposes shrinking global oil-supply buffers

AFP via Getty Images

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Oil tops $109 after Houthi strikes, Saudi pipeline shutdown

A sailor from the navy of Yemen's Aden-based internationally recognized government stands at a machine-gun position aboard a vessel patrolling a shipping lane off Hanish Island in the Red Sea on July 27, 2026.

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

Intel: How Russia, Iran are facilitating illicit oil shipments to Syria (according to the US)

With rising US pressure, Iran worries about losing ground in Iraq

Iran is worried about losing influence in Iraq after the reimposition of US sanctions on Iran and because of US pressure on Iraq to distance itself from Iran.

Iran turns to pragmatism as Israel woos Oman

While Iran is unlikely to have been happy about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Oman, it has tried to remain pragmatic in order to prevent tensions with a longstanding Arab friend.

Barham Salih, Iraq's newly elected President greets Iraq's outgoing President Fuad Masum (not pictured) at the end of a handover ceremony at Salam Palace in Baghdad, Iraq October 3, 2018. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani - RC1C2A8CDD30

Iran, Iraq look to expand economic ties amid US sanctions

Despite US sanctions, Iranian and Iraqi officials hope to increase economic ties.

Hard-liners face backlash in Iranian holy city in wake of 'insulting' open letter

A senior hard-line cleric’s sniping at a grand ayatollah for meeting with Reformists has sparked a backlash that is revealing the depth of clerical opposition to radical conservatives.

Iranian Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad Shariatmadari gives a press conference in Tehran on June 30, 2018. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images)

Outrage in Iran over reassignment of 'corrupt' minister

The Iranian Parliament’s quick confirmation of Mohammad Shariatmadari as labor minister has sparked an outcry on social media, as lawmakers were very recently moving to impeach him as minister of industry.

Iranian actors take center stage against US sanctions

Iranian artists, particularly those in the film industry, have launched two separate campaigns against the US sanctions, saying the measures will hit the vulnerable and sick.

TEHRAN, IRAN - NOVEMBER 10: fans of Persepolis looks on during the AFC Champions League final second leg match between Persepolis and Kashima Antlers at Azadi Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Amin M. Jamali/Getty Images)

Who scored when Iran hand-selected women for historic soccer audience?

For some Iranians, the visible female audience at a recent soccer match at Tehran's Azadi stadium was a meaningful win in a long war over allowing women to attend public soccer matches, but others are frustrated at what they consider a publicity stunt.

Can Tehran’s next mayor unite Iran’s Reformists?

Tehran has elected its third mayor in 18 months and he has a challenging road ahead to unite a divided Reformist camp.

The politics behind Iranian women's entry to Azadi stadium

Iranian women were allowed into Tehran’s Azadi Stadium last week to watch a high-profile soccer match live. A lot of politics were at play to make that happen.

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif speaks during a news conference in Istanbul, Turkey October 30, 2018. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - RC1614E0E190

Hard-liners call for Zarif's head over money laundering comment

Iran's foreign minister is facing harsh criticism from hard-liners after his surprisingly frank remarks about money laundering in the country.

An IranAir Airbus A320 passengers aircraft parks after landing at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport, Serbia, March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Marko Djurica - RC1E07842800

Iranian civil aviation hit again as US sanctions return

The reimposition of US sanctions is directly hitting civil aviation in Iran, dashing the nuclear deal’s promises of safer skies for Iranian passengers.