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Politics & Security

Ali Larijani, former Iranian parliament speaker, addresses the media following his registration at the elections registration office, ahead of the country's election of a new president next month, Tehran, Iran, May 31, 2024.

Breaking | Last Updated: March 17, 2026, 7:02 am

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani killed in Israeli strike: Katz

Israel announced that it killed Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, in an overnight strike in Tehran.

A smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026.

Analysis

Why Iran sees UAE as attractive target in war against US, Israel

As the war enters its third week, the Gulf state has come under heavier Iranian missile and drone fire than its neighbors — and even more than Israel.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Black smoke rises following an airstrike, as Iranians take part in the Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day rally, a commemoration in support of the Palestinian people on the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in Tehran on March 13, 2026.

No ceasefire in sight as Trump claims Iran wants a deal

President Donald Trump continues to offer mixed messages about how long the war, now in its third week, might continue.

A cargo ship is pictured off coast city of Fujairah, in the Strait of Hormuz in the northern Emirate, on Feb. 25, 2026.

As Trump presses allies on Hormuz support, reopening hurdles mount

Key European allies have balked at Trump’s request to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, raising doubts about how quickly the US can secure the waterway from Iranian missile and drone threats.

Latest News

Desperate to sell its oil, Iraq turns to Turkey amid standoff with Kurds

An Iraqi oil tanker waits at the Khawr Abd Allah canal leading up to Al-Faw port in southern Iraq, on June 6, 2024.

Is Israel planning a buffer zone in Lebanon or will it go beyond Litani?

An Israeli self-propelled howitzer artillery gun fires rounds toward southern Lebanon from a position in the upper Galilee in northern Israel near the border on March 15, 2026.

Iran detains over 500 accused of spying for Israel, US: What to know

Funerals are held for members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and other military figures at Enghelab Square on March 11, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Could Israel-US war on Iran save Netanyahu’s political future?

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) listens to a speech by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Jerusalem, Feb. 25, 2026.

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

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

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

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

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

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

Members of the new Syrian government's army are seen amid battles with militias loyal to the Assad regime on the Syrian coast near Latakia, Syria, on March 7, 2025.

Turkey launches military training for Syria’s new army: What to know

Ankara has launched training, consultancy and technical assistance support to Syrian troops, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry.

AO/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Iran to launch missile drill as Araghchi signals conditional IAEA cooperation

Ahead of a missile exercise planned for Thursday, Iran’s foreign minister said that the return of IAEA inspectors will be possible should it be approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

MOUNEB TAIM/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

US sanctions 4 ICC officials over Israel case

The sanctions against four of the court's officials come as Israel prepares for a military offensive in Gaza City.

Workers package human remains recovered from the mass grave in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 17, 2024.

Nine bodies unearthed in Latakia mass grave, one of dozens found in post-Assad Syria

As part of the efforts by new Syrian authorities to bring justice to victims of the Assad regime, dozens of mass graves containing thousands of bodies — believed to be victims of former regime forces — have been discovered across Syria.

Protesters hold up placards and rainbow flags as they take part in the LGBTQ Pride March in Istanbul, June 25, 2023.

Turkey blocks Instagram account of leading LGBTQ+ group Kaos GL

The ban targeting the group, a leading LGBTQ+ organization, follows earlier bans affecting its website and X account.

Amir Levy/Getty Images

Israel calls up 60,000 reservists as Egypt floats Hamas disarmament plan

Egypt is reportedly offering to hold Hamas' arms while a deal to end the war is hammered out.

US raid kills senior ISIS official near Syria's border with Turkey

The US raid killed a senior ISIS official believed to be next in line for the group’s top leadership role, a US official said.

Yemeni boys walk on a flooded road during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians in the Houthi-run capital Sanaa on Aug. 1, 2025.

Yemen: Flash floods injure 10+ in Aden as climate toll mounts

Yemen has experienced deadly flooding in recent years, further impacting the ongoing displacement crisis in the country.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) arrives for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of State and Government summit in The Hague, on June 25, 2025.

NATO summit to be held in Turkey next year, alliance says

Brussels' announcement comes as the Trump administration and Erdogan's government have continued to stake out common ground on stabilizing Syria and the southern Caucasus region.

LUIS TATO/AFP via Getty Images

Somaliland fumes over Turkish envoy's meeting with rebel figure: What to know

As diplomatic tensions flare between Ankara and Hargeisa after a Turkish envoy met a rebel figure in Mogadishu, Ankara is downplaying the encounter as circumstantial.

Sharaa Kobane

Analysis

Syria state media's Kurdish-language launch: tactical move or real shift?

SANA's foray into the Kurdish language is largely symbolic and part of Damascus’ efforts to project an image of compromise amid tense negotiations.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture