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Iran

February 17, 2026

Tehran 9:33 pm

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A missile launches from IRIS Sabalan, an Alvand-class frigate of the Iranian Navy, during the Velayat 91 drill in the Gulf of Oman on January 1, 2013. The Velayat 91 drill is a sixday Iranian naval exercise held in late December 2012 and early January 2013 across the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, and the northern Indian Ocean to test naval readiness and secure strategic waterways. (Photo by Mohammadali Najib / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)

Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know

The drills come as the three countries strengthen their ties amid growing US economic and military pressure on Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivers a speech during a session of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, on the sideline of a second round of US-Iranian talks with Washington pushing Tehran to make a deal to limit its nuclear program, in Geneva, on Feb. 17, 2026.

Breaking | Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 12:05 pm

Iran FM says agreement on 'guiding principles' reached in talks with US

The latest round of negotiations came after President Donald Trump warned of potential consequences for Iran should no agreement be reached.

Small boats loaded with merchandise sail past the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in the northern Musandam Peninsula, Oman, June 25, 2025.

Iran’s IRGC begins naval drills in Strait of Hormuz on eve of US-Iran talks

The drills come as a second US carrier is heading to the region amid US President Trump’s threats to use military force if Tehran does not agree to restrictions on its nuclear program during indirect negotiations mediated by Oman.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) and Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi on a flight to Muscat, Oman, to participate in talks with the US over Tehran's nuclear program, Feb. 5, 2026.

Analysis

Inside Iran's negotiating team: Araghchi, Takht-Ravanchi pursue tactical engagement

As cautious diplomacy between Tehran and Washington inches forward following the first round in Oman, attention is turning to the men tasked with navigating one of the Middle East's most consequential negotiations.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Analysis

How Iran harnesses digital repression, China tech ties to quash dissent

Iranian protesters block a street as a slogan against Iran's supreme leader is spray-painted nearby during a demonstration in Shiraz, Iran, on Jan. 10, 2026.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Why Trump is betting on military leaders for Iran negotiations

Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, (C) Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), (L) and Jared Kushner listen as US Vice President JD Vance speaks.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

Despite Israeli concerns, sources say Trump giving Iran talks up to 2 months

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club on Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida.

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

Analysis

Netanyahu 'skeptical' as Trump doubles down on Iran diplomacy

US President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago club on Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

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

An anti-regime fighter tears off a poster depicting Syrian President Bachar al-Assad (L) and his brother Maher at the airport in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Dec. 2, 2024.

Analysis

Iran promises to do everything for Assad, but how far can it go?

Caught off guard by the recent rebel offensive in Syria, Iran is campaigning to galvanize regional political support for President Bashar al-Assad in what appears to be a race against time amid the Syrian army's fast-crumbling lines of resistance.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Iranian Defense Ministry

Iran conducts record space launch with largest-ever payload

Iran's space program has previously concerned the United States and its allies, who claim that its developments go hand-in-hand with those of its ballistic missile program.

Senior Iranian and Chinese officials held talks in Tehran on expanding bilateral ties in various areas, particularly in the economic field.

Senior China delegation in Iran to discuss 'strategic partnership,' economic ties

Iran hosted a Chinese delegation on Tuesday and Wednesday in a step to solidify a 2021 strategic partnership agreement, but can the two countries’ partnership weather the upcoming Donald Trump presidency?

Smoke billows the the Syrian town of Suran, between Aleppo and Hama, on Dec. 3, 2024.

Who are Iran Quds Force officers deployed to Syria amid rebel offensive?

The team is led by a former Quds Force Syria branch commander, who Iranian media said had played a leading role in the 2016 anti-militant operations in Aleppo.

A militant poses for a picture after anti-government fighters seized Syrian army military equipment and vehicles that were abandoned on the highway to Damascus, as they reach the town of Suran north of Syria's Hama city on Dec. 3, 2024.

Turkey’s Erdogan urges Assad to engage rebels as Fidan readies for talks with Iran, Russia

Turkey's president held calls on Syria with his Russian counterpart and Iraq's prime minister, while the top Turkish diplomat is expected to meet with his Russian and Iranian counterparts for three-party talks.

An anti-government fighter tears down a portrait of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo, after jihadis and their allies entered the northern Syrian city, on Nov. 30, 2024.

Analysis

With eye on Iran, Israel wary of Syria rebels offensive, prefers Assad

Israel is now debating whether the recent upsurge of rebels in Syria could increase regional threats and its strategic interests.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Protesters hold signs during a rally protesting against a death sentence given to Toomaj Salehi, a famous Iranian rapper, in Berlin, Germany, on April 28, 2024.

Culture

Iranian rapper Toomaj, who supported protests, released from prison

Toomaj Salehi was sentenced to death earlier this year after releasing a song in support of the Mahsa Amini protests, though the ruling was overturned by the supreme court.

ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images

Iran’s FM meets Fidan in Turkey as rift over Syria persists: What we know

While the top Iranian and Turkish diplomats agree on the need for de-escalation in Syria, the two countries' positions remain divergent.

Afghan workers carry flour sacks off a freight train upon its arrival from Uzbekistan, at the border station in Hairatan, Balkh Province, March 5, 2024.

Analysis

Iran looks to invest $6B in Afghanistan as route to China: What to know

Engaging the Taliban has become a must in Tehran's efforts not only to improve transportation in and boost trade with Afghanistan in the face of economic sanctions, but also to achieve its goal of having a reliable, overland trade route to China.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Anti-regime fighters drive along the Aleppo- Damascus M5 international highway in the newly captured northwestern area of Khan al-Assal, as smoke rises in the distance on Nov. 29, 2024.

Analysis

Embattled in Gaza and Lebanon, can Iran defend Assad in Syria amid Aleppo offensive?

Iran is at a critical juncture amid the Sunni insurgent offensive in Syria, as it navigates the realities about its weakened ally Hezbollah and the complexities of its own presence in a geopolitical power play that involves multiple actors competing for different agendas.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Algerian People's National Council

Iran sends senior delegation to Algeria, Tunisia as relations warm

This week, a high-level Iranian delegation is visiting Algeria and Tunisia for talks with senior officials from both North African countries.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei holds a weekly press conference in Tehran on Oct. 28, 2024.

Iran praises Lebanon ceasefire, vows response to Israel 'in due time'

Iran has repeatedly vowed to respond to the late October Israeli strikes on the country, and a senior official repeated the assertion following the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.