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Politics & Security

Handout Photo by the US Navy via Getty Images

Explainer

What’s the status of Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran talks?

Oil tankers continued to transit the strait in both directions, but many turned off their transponders over the weekend after Iran's military declared Hormuz closed once again.

Cars drive past billboards showing Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (L) and his late father Ali Khamenei (R), with the slogan "Thank you, loyal Iran," erected along the highway leading to Rafik Hariri International Airport, Beirut, Lebanon, June 22, 2026.

US, Iran to form 'deconflicting cell' on Lebanon, sidelining Lebanese state

The agreement came during talks between Iran and the United States following a preliminary deal reached last week to end the war across the Middle East, including in Lebanon.

A picture taken on March 12, 2017, shows an Iranian tanker docking at the platform of the oil facility in the Kharg Island, on the shore of the Gulf.

US grants Iran oil sanctions waiver as part of deal

The waiver authorizes the production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil for two months.

Latest News

Vance says Iran to restore nuclear inspector access

US Vice President JD Vance spoke to reporters following the talks with Iranian negotiators at the Burgenstock complex

Syria’s Sharaa says he had ‘multiple discussions’ with Trump on Lebanon, favors dialogue

US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Oval Office, Washington, DC, Nov. 10, 2025.

Analysis

Why Gulf defense firms are betting on Europe in wake of Iran war

Illustration picture taken during the Eurosatory Defense and Security fair in Paris, France ,on June 15, 2026.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

After US-Iran deal, can Pakistan sustain regional mediator role?

Aamir QURESHI / AFP via Getty Images

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

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

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

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

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

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

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Islamic Jihad looks to Hezbollah after disastrous Gaza war

Also: three dates to watch for in Iran nuclear talks.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty Images

Iran-linked attacks on US forces in Syria rekindle Iraq border concerns

Tit-for-tat attacks by US and Iran-linked forces in eastern Syria have raised regional tension levels and questions about Iraq’s control of its western border and an area long controlled by Kataib Hezbollah in the center of the country.

SAFIN HAMED/AFP via Getty Images

KRG responds to Baghad's threat of legal action over oil dispute

The federal Iraqi government argues that the autonomous region’s independent oil deals are unconstitutional.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz meets with US Central Command chief Gen. Michael Kurilla at the CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, Aug. 25, 2022.

Israel raises concerns over Iran probe as deal looms

The Biden administration told Israel that it won’t pressure the International Atomic Energy Agency to drop its investigation into Iran’s unexplained nuclear material.

John Onuoha/CNETCOM

Israel pours energy into media blitz against looming Iran nuclear deal

Israel’s political and security leadership is giving its all in a final media campaign against a renewed nuclear deal with Iran.

Agent A., a Mossad veteran who rose through the ranks of the predominantly male organization, now heads the Mossad’s Intelligence Directorate.

Israel’s Mossad chief promotes women at top

The appointment of two women to very senior positions within the Mossad sends a strong signal to the rest of Israel’s security system that things are changing.

A man stands outside the headquarters of the Supreme Judicial Council.

Iraqi PM warns security forces to stay out of political conflicts

The Iraqi judiciary resumed its work the day after powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his supporters to withdraw from the Supreme Judicial Council.

Turkish presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin.

Swedish, Finnish NATO bids face test as officials meet Turkey’s representatives

Lack of movement on extradition of “terrorist” suspects still poses threat to Nordic states joining alliance.

Iranian Army office/AFP via Getty Images

Iran shows off homemade drones in large-scale exercise

The drill was staged amid US intelligence reports that the Islamic Republic was planning to send Russia weapons-capable combat drones to be used in its war on Ukraine.

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

Iran’s nuclear program casts shadow on Israeli election

Prime Minister Yair Lapid finds himself in a difficult spot as reports insist the United States is closer to signing a nuclear deal with Iran.

U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter gunners scan the desert while transporting troops on May 26, 2021, over northeastern Syria.

US strikes Iran-backed militias in Syria for third day

The White House sought to halt attacks on American troops in Syria by authorizing airstrikes on a depot used by the IRGC. Local militias have responded by firing more rockets.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh speaks at the Al-Haq Foundation after Israel raided and closed an entrance to their offices, Ramallah, West Bank, Aug. 18, 2022.

Palestinian NGOs launch international campaign to revoke Israeli decision to shut them down

Israel shut down the offices of seven Palestinian NGOs in the West Bank per a military decision, which these NGOs seek to confront with a wide international campaign.