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Iran

August 16, 2026

Tehran 7:13 pm

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A Baluch Iranian man rides a bicycle

Analysis

Why Iran is intensifying wartime crackdown in restive Baluchistan

A string of security operations in Iran's southeast has underscored Tehran's enduring fears that wartime instability could aggravate longstanding ethnic, sectarian and economic grievances.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Motorists drive vehicles past a billboard depicting Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei along a street in central Tehran on August 8, 2026. Hopes for an imminent US-Iran deal to end the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz added to optimism that oil and gas, along with other key products, would again start flowing freely after more than five months of war. But oil prices turned higher ahead of the weekend in the absence of any confirmation of an accord, amid reports that Iran was planning to block US and Is

Explainer

What would BRICS Bank membership mean for Iran's reeling economy?

Iran’s Central Bank governor said the country will soon join the New Development Bank as he traveled to India this week for a meeting of the group’s finance leaders.

A photograph obtained from the Iranian Students’ News Agency shows an oil slick along the southern coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, August 13, 2026.

Oil spills off Oman, Iran's Qeshm Island reap environmental havoc amid war

One oil leak off the coast of Oman is estimated to cover more than 772 square miles, devastating local habitats.

Latest News

Iran’s Hormuz authority denies Trump claims of control over strait: What to know

Children swimming in the Strait of Hormuz

Hormuz traffic sinks to one-week low as ships attacked, talks stagnate

port attack

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

Is Rouhani’s economic team about to crack?

An escalating dispute between Iran’s Central Bank governor and the minister of economic affairs and finance is threatening to crack President Hassan Rouhani’s economic team.

Iran calls US congressmen's visa request 'publicity stunt'

Iran rebuked three American congressmen who requested Iranian visas in order to personally inspect the country's nuclear sites.

Famous Iranian classical singer seeks comeback despite ban

Despite media speculation about a possible return for Ramadan, Iran's famous classical singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian still appears to be banned from Iranian television.

Why VR is more virtual than reality in Iran

Although Iranian firms are now producing locally developed virtual reality headsets, most Iranians are still far from familiar with this technology.

Are the Taliban and Iran teaming up to stop IS?

An article on the Jahan news website reported that the former Taliban leader who was killed in a US drone strike in Pakistan had met with Iranian officials one week before he was killed.

What is keeping foreign money out of Iran’s stock exchanges?

Beyond the remaining US primary sanctions, a plethora of issues within Iran is effectively acting to hold back badly needed foreign investment.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani speaks during a news conference in Beirut December 22, 2014. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir (LEBANON - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR4IZ02

Is Iranian parliament warming up to Rouhani?

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani appears to be the winner following Ali Larijani's re-election as Iran's parliament speaker for the third time.

Iran finds new port partner in India

Though Iran has made use of the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions to boost ties with India, deepening trade with New Delhi is only part of its vision for such cooperation.

Khomeini’s grandson says there is more to Islam than hijab

In a TV interview, Hassan Khomeini discussed a number of controversial issues such as Islam, the hijab and newcomers to the revolution.

Iranian Cannes-troversy continues

Asghar Farhadi's latest film has been the subject of a number of controversies since winning two awards at the Cannes Film Festival.

EU eyes return as Iran’s first trade partner

With the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions, Iran and the European Union can now restore their commercial ties — but not without bumps in the road.

Why was hajj for Iranian pilgrims canceled this year?

After failing to resolve differences with Saudi Arabia, Iranians will be unable to attend the hajj pilgrimage this year.