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

Iran cover image

Iran

February 28, 2026

Tehran 12:04 pm

18°C

A cyclist rides past an anti-US billboard installed on a building along a street in Tehran on Feb. 26, 2026.

Analysis

How survival mode has reshaped Iran's calculations for potential US war

Iran is blending cautious diplomacy with fortified defenses, a survival mindset and readiness to escalate strategically if challenged.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Sayed Hassan/Getty Images

Shipping giant Maersk diverts from Suez route amid Iran-US tension

The shift comes in reaction to the growing possibility of a military confrontation between the United States and Iran.

An F-18E fighter jet takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, Sept. 24, 2025.

Analysis

Israel, 'ready' for Iran escalation, looks to US to take lead

Israel ramps up military readiness as the world’s largest aircraft carrier approaches Haifa.

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

The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford departs Souda Bay on the island of Crete on February 26, 2026. (Photo by Costas METAXAKIS / AFP via Getty Images)

China, Canada urge citizens to leave Iran as Tehran proxies threaten US

Other countries including the US and Australia have called for the families of diplomats to leave Lebanon and Israel amid concerns of a regional spillover.

Latest News

US embassy in Israel authorizes non-essential staff, families to leave

Israel US embassy

US aircraft carrier nears Middle East as Geneva talks end without Iran breakthrough

The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford departs Souda Bay on the island of Crete, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Live Updates

US, Iran resume nuclear talks as Trump ratchets up war threats

Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images

Australia urges diplomats' dependents to leave Lebanon, Israel: What to know

Emergency workers check the damage caused to a building from an Iranian missile strike in Beersheba in southern Israel on June 24, 2025. Israel said on June 24 it had agreed to US President Donald Trump's proposal for a ceasefire with Iran, on the 12th day of war between the foes. (Photo by John Wessels / AFP) (Photo by JOHN WESSELS/AFP via Getty Images)

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

(L to R) French President Emmanuel Macron, Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrive for a group picture after the meeting in Baghdad on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran, Saudi Arabia set to resume new round of talks in Iraq

Iranian officials say talks with Riyadh counterparts will resume in Baghdad soon.

Then-Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi stands next to the new Iranian made drone "Epic" during a ceremony in Tehran on May 9, 2013.

Iran’s new interior minister seeks to empower provinces

More provincial discretion can help address problems, says Iran’s new interior minister.

Iran's Amir Khosravani competes in the men's long jump (T12) final during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 30, 2021.

Iran strikes gold at Paralympics

Iranian athletes are currently atop the Middle East in medals won at the international sporting competition for disabled athletes, and one could soon make history in women's archery.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran's new foreign minister visits Baghdad for regional summit

The summit is the latest effort by Iraq to reduce tensions between Iran and its Sunni Arab neighbors.

Motorcyclists with face masks in Tehran

Fears grow in Iran as pandemic worsens

Iran wrestles with record infection and mortality rates and officials worry that a new variant could come in on the heels of the Delta variant, which has been ravaging the country.

Inside Evin Prison.

Iran judiciary orders investigation into prison abuse

The head of Iran’s judiciary called for an investigation into the abuse at Evin Prison.

Evin Prison

Iran authorities embarrassed by hacked CCTV prison videos

The hacked videos that show various moments of abuse continue to trickle in and have drawn a rare apology from the country's top prison official.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian attends an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the situation in Yemen on June 16, 2015 in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah.

Raisi's foreign minister pick indicates change for Iranian policy

The choice of incoming Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian suggests that new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is downgrading the role of the Foreign Ministry in regional conflicts.

Abdollahian

Iran to move away from nuclear-centered foreign policy

Iran’s likely new foreign minister will not be as focused on the nuclear deal as was his predecessor.

Taliban, imam at Kabul mosque

Will the Taliban welcome al-Qaeda back to Afghanistan?

Afghanistan's economy is hanging by a thread; Iran makes the best of the Taliban; the "resistance" finds inspiration; five must reads on Afghanistan.

Raisi speaks at swearing-in at parliament

Iran's art community fears 'Stalin era' under Raisi

President Ebrahim Raisi's pick for the post of culture minister has drawn a furious backlash from Iran's art community members, who fear there will be a return to stifling cultural restrictions.

European External Action Service (EEAS) Deputy Secretary-General Enrique Mora (C) looks on as Iran's newly elected president, Ebrahim Raisi, speaks.

European powers blast Iran's 'troubling' nuclear violations

The United Kingdom, France and Germany urged Iran to return to the negotiating table following reports the country has accelerated its nuclear program.