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Iran

February 28, 2026

Tehran 9:53 pm

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A smoke plume rises over Abu Dhabi from the site of an Iranian missile strike on February 28, 2026. Iranian missiles hit capital cities around the wealthy Gulf on February 28, killing at least one, in retaliation for a US and Israeli attack that threatened to spark a wider conflict. One civilian died in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, after being struck by falling debris, according to the ministry of defence. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)

Iran pounds Gulf, regional states after US–Israel strikes: What to know

Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, as well as Israel, Jordan and Iraq, have all been targeted by Iranian missiles.

Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

US strikes Iran military targets as Trump calls for overthrow of regime

A US official speaking on condition of anonymity said the operation could last several days, depending on Iran's retaliation.

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.

Latest News

Analysis

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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

Valentine's Day display in Tehran

Iran rolls out matchmaking app to curb declining birthrate

The Hamdan app aims to create "healthy" families and pair "bachelors seeking permanent marriage” with a wife.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) meets with the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi

Zarif's final defense for Iran deal infuriates hard-liners

Iran's foreign minister faced scathing attacks from hard-liners in parliament after his upbeat assessment of the status of the nuclear talks.

KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images

Iran says US prisoner swap negotiations underway

The Iranian comments followed US special envoy for Iran Robert Malley's pledge that the United States would not accept a partial deal that does not bring home all four detained Americans from Iran.

Pompeo and Jansa

Pompeo speaks at conference by controversial Iran opposition group

Slovenia's prime minister and other former US officials also speak at virtual event held by Mujahedeen-e-Khalq.

Cannes

Why Iranian celebrities took a break from politics

Unlike in previous years, Iran's celebrities went quiet during the June election.

A picture shows vials of the locally made Iranian COVID-19 vaccine during the start of the second phase of trials in the capital, Tehran, on March 15, 2021.

Iran denies 'US sabotage' against homemade vaccine project

The denial added to the chaos and confusion surrounding Iran's piecemeal rollout, which has reached only 2.3% of its population.

A picture obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim on January 31, 2021, shows Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (R) meeting with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar (C) of the Taliban in Tehran.

Iran hosts Afghan government, Taliban for talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif celebrated the looming US withdrawal from Afghanistan during the event.

pmu march in baghdad

The Takeaway: Does Iran want to scuttle nuclear deal talks with militia attacks in Iraq?

Also: Fresh reporting from Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Gaza; high oil prices may undercut GCC reforms; a cure for termites in Egypt; and more.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Rouhani blames sanctions for Iran's power outages

As Iran swelters with electricity outages, President Hassan Rouhani is pointing to sanctions and arguing for meeting international financing demands that would life them.

A vendor serves a costumer during a power outage in Iran's capital Tehran, on May 23, 2021.

Iranians vent outrage at continual blackouts

President Hassan Rouhani attempted a formal apology to Iranians frustrated by blackouts that are only adding up to their daily grievances.

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei speaks during a news conference in the capital Tehran on July 22, 2019.

Iran reports progress in talks with Saudi Arabia

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei said talks between the two regional powers will continue.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran accuses Israel of June sabotage attack on nuclear site

After previous denials, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei acknowledged one structure's ceiling was damaged in the attack.