Iran - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Iran cover image

Iran

April 24, 2026

Tehran 3:59 am

18°C

Refueling trucks are seen at Southend Airport on April 17, 2026, in Southend, England.

Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption?

European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies.

US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel. (Handout Photo by the U.S. Navy via Getty Images)

Analysis

China gets around Iran blockade as Gulf courts Beijing

Beijing is responding to the Iran war on two fronts: economically, sustaining Iranian oil flows and its Strait of Hormuz routes despite the US blockade; and diplomatically, deepening ties with Gulf states.

Joyce Karam

Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi speaks at a candidates' registration office in Tehran on May 30, 2024, during the first day of registration ahead of the country's presidential election.

Who is Ahmad Vahidi, IRGC chief and hard-liner against nuclear compromise?

A longtime Revolutionary Guard insider with strong ties to Iran’s security apparatus and proxy network, Ahmad Vahidi has taken over the IRGC at a moment of crisis, with some reports suggesting he is playing an outsized role in the country’s decision-making.

BAY ISMOYO / AFP via Getty Images

How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade?

At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa.

Latest News

Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire

Fishing and cargo ships and ferries are pictured in the Gulf off the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, which is the main base of the Islamic Republic's navy and has a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuz, on April 29, 2019.

Iran executes 14th person since war over alleged Mossad ties: What to know

Mahdi Farid, who was convicted of espionage for Israel’s Mossad, was executed after his death sentence was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, Tehran, Iran, April 22, 2026.

Analysis

As Iran's power struggle deepens, US talks stall, who’s calling the shots in Tehran?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to the press during a visit to the shrine of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs on Jan. 8, 2026.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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

Palestinian members of al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, pray before a military parade marking the 27th anniversary of Hamas' founding, in Gaza City December 14, 2014. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY ANNIVERSARY RELIGION) - RTR4HY0R

Why Hamas resumed ties with Iran

In light of its worsening financial crisis and need for military support, Hamas has resumed relations with Tehran, which have been strained since the start of the Syrian revolution.

Will Popular Mobilization Units participate in battle for Mosul?

Popular Mobilization Units leaders insist on participating in the fight to liberate Mosul, despite renewed demands by some Sunni politicians to exclude the units because of their history of human rights violations.

Khamenei appoints new head of Iran's armed forces

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Mohammad Bagheri as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces.

Are hard-liners moving in on Iran's Oil Ministry?

Iranian hard-liners may be behind the replacement of the director of the National Iranian Oil Company, dealing a fresh blow to the pro-reform camp.

3 Iranian rangers killed by poachers in 48 hours

After three Iranian rangers were killed by poachers in 48 hours, some Iranians are asking if the law is doing enough to protect them.

Why Iranians are turning against Leonardo DiCaprio

The announcement of a Hollywood biopic about 13th-century Persian poet Rumi with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role has sparked an outcry among Iranians.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Qassem Soleimani uses a walkie-talkie at the frontline during offensive operations against Islamic State militants in the town of Tal Ksaiba in Salahuddin province March 8, 2015. Picture taken March 8, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer (IRAQ - Tags: CIVIL UNREST CONFLICT POLITICS) - RTR4TU0N

Iran rejects speculation on shift, divisions over Syria

Iranian officials claim no differences among officials on Syria; Russia may be rethinking its Syria strategy; UN envoy stresses need for US, Russia “critical mass” in Syria.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran

Spokesman for Iran's Joint Armed Forces Staff Masoud Jazayeri speaks during a news conference in Tehran January 30, 2012. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY) - RTR2X2SS

Rouhani adviser says Brexit 'historic opportunity' for Iran

While some Iranian officials have spoken in favor of Britain's referendum in leaving the European Union, it is unclear what advantage there is for Iran.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arrives at a Capitol Hill rally to "Stop the Iran Nuclear Deal" in Washington September 9, 2015. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst - RTSCYY

Should next US president consider an Iran nuke deal 2.0?

Sen. Chris Coons says it's critical to forge new relationships between top US and Iranian officials when the Barack Obama administration leaves office to ensure continued smooth implementation of the landmark nuclear deal.

Is Iran’s Syria policy really about to shift?

Iranian officials have rejected suggestions that a staff reshuffle at the Foreign Ministry means the country’s regional policies are soon to change.

People inspect a site hit by airstrikes in Idlib city, Syria June 12, 2016. REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah - RTX2FR1Q

Are major players shifting strategies in Syria?

Russia and the US find themselves in a complex situation in Syria, with plenty of doubt to go around.

Commuters ride in a bus during evening rush hour in Tehran, Iran May 2, 2016. REUTERS/Marius Bosch - RTX2CGB9

Iranians shocked after deaths of 19 soldiers in bus accidents

Iranian social media users and officials expressed grief and outrage after 19 Iranian soldiers were killed in two separate bus accidents.