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Iran

August 21, 2026

Tehran 8:48 pm

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Caught in the middle, Oman shrugs off Trump's latest Iran threat

For the second time in months, President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the US partner as it holds talks with Iran.

MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Houthis claim new strikes on Saudi Arabia after IRGC warning: What to know

A senior Iranian commander said Saudi Arabia will be unable to the defeat the Yemeni group as the conflict intensifies.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian holds a press conference on Aug. 19, 2026.

China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know

China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions.

Latest News

Trump’s Iran ‘economic D-Day’ threat sends oil prices above $94

Iranians drive past an anti-US billboard at Enghelab Square in central Tehran, Aug. 3, 2026.

Explainer

Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / 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

President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on Sept. 24, 2025 in New York City.

Analysis

'Prepared for any scenario': What are Iran's options after sanctions snapback?

As the snapback nears, Iran weighs diplomacy, escalation and changes to its nuclear policy.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Screenshot, YouTube.

Israeli-American indicted for spying for Iran as Tehran steps up espionage in Israel

Iran has been seeking to recruit both Jews and Arabs for surveillance activities inside Israel.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff speaks as President Donald Trump holds a cabinet meeting with members of his administration in the White House on Aug. 26, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Snapback ‘too late’ to reverse despite quiet US-Iran talks

Months after US and Israeli strikes derailed the nuclear talks, Steve Witkoff confirmed his talks with the Iranians are ongoing.

Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images

Russia, Iran sign deal to build small nuclear power plants: What to know

As Iran grapples with energy shortages and renewed sanctions pressure, Tehran and Moscow signed a memorandum Wednesday to expand nuclear cooperation through the construction of small nuclear power plants.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference following the signing of an Egypt-backed agreement on practical modalities to resume nuclear inspections on the Iranian nuclear program on Sept. 9, 2025 in Cairo, Egypt.

Araghchi pushes last-ditch diplomacy at UN as Iran braces for sanctions snapback

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pursued urgent diplomacy in New York to block the looming snapback of UN sanctions, warning Western powers against "confrontation," as lawmakers at home demanded radical revisions of Tehran's nuclear doctrine.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, speaks during the 69th annual International Atomic Energy Agency general conference on Sept. 15, 2025, in Vienna, Austria.

Iran's nuclear chief in Moscow, eyes nuclear power plant deal with Russia

Mohammad Eslami’s visit comes just a week after Russia’s energy minister was in Tehran, and a month after the CEO of Rosatom confirmed ongoing negotiations with Iran to build new nuclear plants in the country.

Iranians walk past shops in the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on Aug. 13, 2025.

Analysis

UN snapback sanctions deepen Iran’s 'sense of siege,' fuel fears of reprisal

Iran has warned of further escalation after its Western adversaries voted to reimpose sweeping sanctions on the Islamic Republic, as economic repercussions are expected to complicate the already grim livelihoods of ordinary Iranians.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

India weighs options as US ends waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port: What to know

India has been working to develop the strategically important Gulf port for close to a decade, but the move has been complicated by US sanctions on Iran.

NIKITA BORISSOV/AFP via Getty Images

Russia’s energy minister in Iran to discuss stalled natural gas deal: What to know

Russia and Iran are strengthening their energy ties amid their growing international isolation.

Iranian women walk on the streets, disregarding compulsory hijab law, as Iranians prepare for the Persian New Year that starts with the moment of spring equinox, on March 19, 2025, in Tajrish Square, Iran.

Three years after Mahsa Amini's death, Iran faces movement it can't crush

Three years after an Iranian woman’s death in hijab police custody sparked the “Women, Life, Freedom” women’s rights movement, the Iranian regime is faltering under mounting crises.

Head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Sept. 16, 2025.

Iran’s Larijani meets MBS, Saudi defense chiefs in Riyadh: What to know

The trip is Ali Larijani’s third since he returned to head the Supreme National Security Council and follows Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian calling for greater unity in the region.

Elimelech Stern is seen in during a courthouse appearance on Aug. 22, 2024.

Israeli student found guilty of spying for Iran: What to know

The conviction of the 22-year-old Jewish religious student comes as Iran expands efforts to recruit both Jews and Arabs in Israel.