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Iran

September 18, 2026

Tehran 7:30 pm

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A pedestrian passes by the Treasury Building in Washington, DC on Jan. 18, 2023.

US sanctions Iranian crypto exchange BitBank over Hormuz payments

The US government says the exchange was used to channel payments from an Iranian maritime-insurance scheme to the regime.

AFP via Getty Images

China presses Iran, US to reopen Hormuz as disruptions threaten oil supply

Conflicts in the region are disrupting two key routes for oil bound for China, with Iranian crude affected by the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi shipments facing growing risks in the Red Sea.

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities, brandish their weapons during a rally to recruit more fighters, in Sanaa on September 10, 2026. The country relapsed into war in July after years of calm, drawn into the regional conflict triggered by the US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began at the end of February. (Photo by Mohammed HUWAIS / AFP via Getty Images)

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Lacking deterrence, Israel’s security establishment opposes attacks on Houthis

Senior Israeli intelligence sources told Al-Monitor that Israel seeks to avoid involvement in the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, despite concerns that Yemen could further unravel and that Iran is backing the group.

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

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Analysis

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

Houthi fighters marching

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

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

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

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Exclusive

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

Houthi

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

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

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

Does Israel need France more than France needs Israel?

Meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preferred to focus on common battles rather than preserving the nuclear deal with Iran, the main mission for Le Drian's visit.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: (L to R) Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, foreign minister of Oman, speaks with Mohammad Javad Zarif Khonsari, the foreign minister of Iran, during the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters, September 20, 2017 in New York City. The most pressing issues facing the assembly this year include North Korea's nuclear ambitions, violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar, and the debate over climate change. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

How Trump is prompting Iran to improve ties with its neighbors

Iran’s long-touted motto of prioritizing good ties with immediate neighbors is finally taking shape in apparent response to US-led pressure.

Iran’s supreme leader: I'm not in favor of polygamy

Iran’s supreme leader is reported to not be in favor of polygamy, denying a fatwa attributed to him about the matter.

Are Iranians ready to 'Buy Iranian'?

As Iran rings in the new year, the government has launched a campaign to encourage the public to buy locally made goods, but whether the public has as much enthusiasm for local products is another question.

Iranian official declares Bolton appointment a 'shame'

Iranian officials expect a more hostile US foreign policy with John Bolton's selection as the new national security adviser.

A general view shows the Azadi Cinema in Tehran on May 19, 2016.
As Iranian films and actors compete this weekend at Cannes film festival attention is turning toward the country's thriving independent cinema sector which is succeeding despite tough regulations. / AFP / ATTA KENARE / TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY ALI NOORANI (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images)

How conservatives are elbowing out Reformists in Iranian cinema

Even though most prominent Iranian producers and directors have Reformist leanings, it is conservatives who are the most proactive in this arena.

Russians fear Bolton may doom Iran deal, stoke arms race

John Bolton's upcoming role as national security adviser is controversial not only in the United States; it's raising eyebrows, and concerns, around much of the rest of the world.

Iran's supreme leader criticized for saying there is ‘free speech’ in his country

Iranians have criticized Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for claiming that there is free speech in Iran.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani (L) hands out documents to Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani after presenting his budget for 2017-2018 on December 4, 2016, in Tehran. / AFP / ATTA KENARE (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images)

Iranian Reformists anxious as Rouhani takes turn to the right

Iranian Reformists worry that the Rouhani administration will officially form a coalition with Ali Larijani, the moderate conservative parliament speaker.

U.S. President Donald Trump walks to Marine One to board to depart for travel to New Hampshire from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., March 19, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis - RC1FFE98D400

US negotiator: 'We will see' if Trump can be sold on Iran deal fix

Washington's chief representative to US-European talks on the Iran nuclear deal said that while progress is being made in trans-Atlantic discussions, it's unclear if an agreement will be reached.

U.S. President Donald Trump, flanked by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo, ?Vice President Mike Pence? and Energy Secretary†Rick Perry, hosts Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a working lunch at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 20, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst - RC12317C6820

Pompeo appointment cements notion in Tehran that US will exit Iran deal

In Tehran, the reaction to the appointment of Pompeo as secretary of state is an increasing sense that Trump is bent on withdrawing from the nuclear deal.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.
A worker assembles a vehicle at a production line of carmaker Iran Khodro, west of Tehran June 20, 2011. Iran Khodro, Iran's biggest car maker which runs what it says is the largest car factory in the Middle East, sees sales rising at home and abroad, despite economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) - GM1E76K1

Iran’s supreme leader urges people to support national products

In his annual Nowruz speech, Ayatollah Khamenei called on Iranians to support domestic industry by buying locally made products.