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Iran

February 28, 2026

Tehran 3:15 pm

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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

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Raisi inauguration reveals rifts in Iran establishment

Apart from the controversy over an EU representative's presence at the event, the absence of once powerful politicians laid bare divisions in Iran's upper echelons.

Iran professor gets vaccinated

Iran's supreme leader urges officials to acquire vaccines 'any way possible'

Khamenei called on officials to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine any way they can.

AFP via Getty Images

Iran's new foreign minister may bring 'tough line' to nuclear talks

Amir-Abdollahian previously served as Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs.

Supporters of Iran's defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi clash with police (unseen) during a protest in Tehran on June 20, 2009. Saeed Mortazavi had been linked to the deaths of at least four protesters arrested during rallies against the disputed re-election of then hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Iran judiciary rules in favor of notorious ex-prosecutor

Apart from his notoriety as the "butcher of the free media," Saeed Mortazavi has been implicated in multiple controversial cases, from torture and murder to corruption and embezzlement.

This courtroom sketch shows Iranian defendant Hamid Noury (2ndL) sitting in the District Court of Stockholm with his Defence Attorney Daniel Marcus (3rdL) on the opening of his trial for "war crimes and murder", on Aug. 10, 2021.

Sweden opens trial of Iranian accused of role in 1988 mass murder

Swedish prosecutors accuse Hamid Noury of participating in the extrajudicial executions of political prisoners who were affiliated with an armed Iranian opposition group

Antony Blinken

Blinken urges UN to hold Iran accountable for Mercer Street attack

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the drone strike was the latest in a pattern of Iranian attacks and provocative behavior.

Macron and Raisi

Raisi to Macron: Iran's 'rights' must be upheld in nuclear talks

During their phone call Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iran's new president to resume negotiations in Vienna.

Chairman of Iran's Setad foundation, or the Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order, Mohammad Mokhber speaks during a press conference.

Iran official says fifth COVID-19 wave will be last

While Iranian officials are worried about the spread of COVID-19, they hope vaccination efforts can prevent a sixth wave.

Raisi at swearing-in

Raisi ready to support ‘any diplomatic plan’ that lifts sanctions on Iran

Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister is ready to "send a message" to Iran in response to drone attack on Israeli-managed ship that killed two.

OLIVIER HOSLET/AFP via Getty Images

G7 condemns Mercer Street attack, says evidence points to Iran

The G7 foreign ministers said there was no justification for the drone attack, which came days before the suspected Iranian hijacking of a ship in the Gulf of Oman.

Iran's newly elected President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Iranian parliament.

Iranian president expresses 'heartfelt amity' toward UAE

Despite past tensions, Iran and the UAE look to better ties to defuse friction in the Persian Gulf.

Iran's newly elected President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during his swearing in ceremony at the Iranian parliament in the capital Tehran on Aug. 5, 2021.

Raisi reasserts Iran's regional policy in swearing-in ceremony

The new head of state reiterated Iran's controversial regional policy, even as it has been at the very core of tensions between the Islamic Republic's hard-line establishment and the West.