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March 27, 2026

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US President Donald Trump attends the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner at Union Station on March 25, 2026, in Washington, DC.

Analysis

In familiar standoff, US and Iranian demands leave little room for deal

What were already difficult negotiations before the war have grown even more fraught under Iran's new hard-line leadership.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

A handing over of command ceremony at Union III Camp in the Green Zone of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on May 22, 2025.

Turkey confirms Iraq troop withdrawal as NATO pulls back due to Iran war

The confirmation of the withdrawal came as part of NATO’s decision to withdraw its forces in its Iraq mission amid Iran war.

Tangsiri

Who was Alireza Tangsiri, Iranian IRGC naval chief said killed by Israel?

Tangsiri played a key role in Iran’s operations in the Strait of Hormuz and has a long history of antagonizing the US.

Latest News

Trump says Iran’s 'gift' was allowing 10 oil ships through Hormuz

US President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House on March 26, 2026 in Washington, DC.

No ships transit Hormuz as Iran plans safe-passage tolls: What to know

This photograph shows the Malta-flagged container ship CMA CGM "pollon Valletta and the Panamean-flagged Wood Chips carrier Green Sapphire in the sea in Fos-sur-Mer, southern France, on March 25, 2026.

In Lebanon, deadline looms for expelling Iran envoy amid Hezbollah pushback

FADEL itani / AFP via Getty Images

Russia evacuates 160 staff from Iran's Bushehr plant: What to know

A picture taken on Nov. 10, 2019, shows an Iranian flag in Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant.

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

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef, the interior minister, arrives to a military parade in preparation for the annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca September 5, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah. - RTX2O8NJ

How Washington, Riyadh can work together to counter terrorism

It would behoove Washington and Riyadh to take steps to reassure each other in the fight against terrorism.

TEHRAN, IRAN - JANUARY 10: Mourners attend the funeral of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjanii, January 10, 2017 in Tehran, Iran. Rafsanjani, who was 82, was a pivotal figure in the foundation of the Islamic republic in 1979, served as president from 1989 to 1997. After a long career in the ruling elite, where his moderate views were not always welcome, his cunning guided him through revolution, war and the country's turbulent politics. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

In death, Iran's conservatives take ownership of Rafsanjani

Iranian conservatives are maneuvering to shape the narrative of Rafsanjani’s political legacy in yet another attempt to subdue their Reformist and moderate rivals.

TO GO WITH STORY BY BRYAN PEARSON Habib al-Sadr, director general of Iraq's biggest television company, Al-Iraqiya, answers questions during an interview with AFP at his Iraqi Media Network company headquarters in Baghdad's upmarket Al-Karrada suburb, 23 August 2007. Sadr has far-reaching plans to expand his ever-growing media empire -- provided he can outlive the constant threats to his life. All is in place for the launch mid-September at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan of a new religious ch

Will Egypt join Iraq in the 'Axis of Resistance'?

Iraq is playing the role of broker to include Egypt in the Axis of Resistance, led by Iran.

The steel structre of Iran's oldest high-rise, the 15-storey Plasco building, is seen after the collapse of the building in downtown Tehran on January 19, 2017.
State television said 200 firefighters had been called to the scene and 38 had already been injured battling the blaze before it fell. / AFP / STR (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Iranians call for resignation of Tehran mayor over high-rise collapse

The collapse of Iran’s oldest high-rise following a fire leads to calls for the resignation of Tehran’s mayor.

An Airbus A321 painted in IranAir's livery rests on the tarmac as the company takes delivery of the first new Western jet under an international sanctions deal in Colomiers, near Toulouse, France, January 11, 2017. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau - RTX2YHNJ

New planes won't solve Iran's aviation dilemma

Despite its great potential and the imminent influx of new aircraft, Iran's aviation sector is likely to remain anemic unless there is a genuine shift in the business approach.

Confusion over US presence at Astana Syria talks

A Russian invitation to the Trump transition team to send a representative to Syria peace talks in the Kazakh capital Astana Jan. 23 has caused confusion and revealed limited interactions between the incoming and outgoing US administrations.

Turkic speakers join forces in Iran's parliament

The unprecedented formation of a cross-factional parliamentary group of Turkic speakers stirs controversy in Iran.

Why hasn’t Iran’s president announced bid for re-election?

The Iranian president’s press conference on the first anniversary of the implementation of the nuclear deal is met with positive reactions among Reformists and harsh criticism by hard-liners.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani speaks during a news conference in Rome, Italy, January 27, 2016. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi - RTX246ST

Rouhani: Nuclear deal renegotiation 'meaningless'

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iranian hard-liners found a new target to attack: Ali Akbar Nategh-Nuri. Meanwhile, President Rouhani dismisses a renegotiation of the nuclear deal, a point brought up by figures close to President-elect Trump, as “meaningless.”

Ordinary citizens in Iran rally to save death-row prisoners

An increasing number of ordinary Iranians are campaigning to convince families of crime victims to forgive convicts on death row.

Iran: No more political talks with US on nuclear issue

In a press conference on the anniversary of the implementation of the nuclear deal, Iran’s deputy foreign minister announced that Tehran will not enter political negotiations on the deal with the Trump administration.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.
Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, head of Iran's Assembly of Experts, speaks during the 7th session of the Assembly in Tehran February 23, 2010. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR2AQWC

Will Rafsanjani’s death bring about change in Iran’s regional policy?

Former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani once played a great role in improving Saudi-Iranian relations. But given the broader changes in Iran’s foreign policy approach, his death is unlikely to significantly impact the tense Tehran-Riyadh relationship.