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October 23, 2026

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Explainer

What Iran’s threats to Hormuz internet cables mean for Gulf

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to cut crucial internet and communications routes in the region if US aggression escalates.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

US sanctions law firm based in Panama, Greece over Iran shipping ties

The Treasury Department accused Karnakis and Karnakis of registering shipping companies linked to Iran's so-called shadow fleet.

Latest News

Analysis

How Lavrov's Tehran visit tests limits of Russia's influence over Iran

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (L) and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrive to hold a press conference after a meeting in Tehran on October 19, 2026. The Russian foreign minister arrived in Iran on October 19, in his first visit since the outbreak of the Middle East war as Moscow seeks to play a mediating role. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images)

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

IRGC claims it downed US drone, set two tankers ablaze near Hormuz

Ships are anchored off the coast of Khasab in Oman's Musandam Governorate, near the Strait of Hormuz, on Oct. 2, 2026.

Iran says deal reached with Iraq to expel Kurdish separatists: What to know

Safin HAMID / AFP via Getty Images

Lavrov visits Tehran as Trump praises Russia's role on Iran: What to know

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (L) shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon his arrival in Tehran on Oct. 19, 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

Rouhani Considers New Approach To Syria

While President-elect Hassan Rouhani will continue Iran’s steadfast support for the Syrian government, he may also be considering a diplomatic initiative for a transition involving both the Assad regime and the opposition.

Clerics work on computers at a religious research center associated with the seminary in Qom, 120 km (75 miles) south of Tehran February 2, 2009. REUTERS/Caren Firouz (IRAN) - RTXB5VD

Iran’s Seminarians React To Rouhani’s Election

Qom Seminary in Iran seems to have pinned its hopes on Rouhani's ability to reduce international pressure and restore the clergy's standing domestically.

Iranian presidential candidate Hassan Rohani (L) waves to supporters in the central Iranian city of Shiraz June 11, 2013. Picture taken June 11, 2013. REUTERS/Fars News/Mohammad Hadi Khosravi (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE WAS PROCESSED BY REUTERS TO ENHANCE QUALITY. AN UNPROCESSED VERSION WILL BE PROVIDED SEPARATELY - RTX10L2E

Rouhani calls for Moderation In First Speech as President-elect

In his first speech as president-elect of Iran, Hassan Rouhani said Iran should avoid extremism.

EU ministers and officials and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator give news conference after three hours of talks on Tehran's nuclear plans in Geneva. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani, French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier and EU General Secretary Javier Solana (L-R) give a news conference outside the residence of the Iranian ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, May 25, 2005 after three hours of talks on Tehran's nuclea

Rouhani May Offer Way Out Of Nuclear Tensions With Iran

The election of Hassan Rouhani as president is an opportunity for a more conciliatory approach by the regional and global powers.

A worker spreads out pistachios in the sun at a processing factory in Rafsanjan, 1,000 kilometers southeast of Tehran September 23, 2008. REUTERS/Caren Firouz (IRAN) - RTX9CVS

Rouhani Makes Job Creation Top Economic Priority

After Hassan Rouhani's victory in the Iranian presidential election, he stated that reducing Iran's unemployment was among his main goals. With Iranian unemployment at 12.5%, the president may need to enlist the help of the private sector.

Empty and disused Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL Group) containers are seen at Malta Freeport in the Port of Marsaxlokk outside Valletta February 10, 2012. The IRISL ships and containers are key parts in an international cat-and-mouse game: Iran's attempt to evade the trade sanctions tightening around it. Washington and European capitals want to stop or slow Iran's nuclear programme. They believe that IRISL, which moves nearly a third of Iran's exports and imports and is central to the coun

Iraq: Iran’s Economic Gateway To the World

Amid strict international sanctions, Iranian exports are increasingly flowing into Iraqi markets as one of its few remaining lifelines in the region and around the world.

Who Will Be in Rouhani’s Cabinet?

Tehran is abuzz with speculation about who will be in the next Iranian government.

Supporters of moderate cleric Hassan Rohani hold a picture of him as they celebrate his victory in Iran's presidential election on a pedestrian bridge in Tehran June 15, 2013. Rohani won Iran's presidential election on Saturday, the interior ministry said, scoring a surprising landslide victory over conservative hardliners without the need for a second round run-off. REUTERS/Fars News/Sina Shiri (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL U

Before Piling on New Sanctions, Give Rouhani a Chance

The election of Hassan Rouhani as president of Iran may be a diplomatic opening to prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon, so the US Congress should not undermine it with more sanctions.

An Iranian woman stands in front of a bank as she holds a dog in Tehran November 13, 2005. The entrance of dogs and other pets into governmental buildings is prohibited in Iran. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl - RTR1AVX1

Iran Goes After Dogs And Their Owners

Iranian authorities confront more affluent Iranians who own pets.

Netanyahu Needs New Iran Strategy

Israel should recognize the opportunity presented by the election of Hassan Rouhani as president of Iran.

Iranian President-elect Hassan Rohani (C) speaks to the media following a visit to the Khomeini mausoleum in Tehran June 16, 2013. Reuters/Fars News/Seyed Hassan Mousavi (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - RTX10Q47

Rouhani Presidency Could Bolster US-Iran Exchanges

A new report suggests steps to increase academic, scientific and other exchanges between the US and Iran as a cost-effective way to help both countries and lay the ground for normal diplomatic relations.

Iranian Youth Hedge Hopes on Rouhani

Iranian youth, who voted in large numbers for Hassan Rouhani for president, are mixed on whether he can deliver on Iran’s economy.