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Explainer

Who is Iran’s Mohsen Rezaei, hard-line IRGC veteran appointed to top security post?

Mohsen Rezaei's appointment comes as Iran navigates a fragile halt in hostilities with the US and negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran

FILE PHOTO: A composite satellite image shows trail of smoke rising from an oil facility, in Jizan, Jazan province, Saudi Arabia, July 26, 2026. European Union/Copernicus Sentinel-2/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi refinery after kingdom signs defence pact

Reuters

This aerial photograph shows boats anchored off Oman's northern Musandam Peninsula near the Strait of Hormuz on June 27, 2026.

Analysis

How Hormuz crisis is boosting IRGC and Iran’s security establishment

Iran’s Hormuz strategy shows how the prolonged crisis is shifting power from political institutions toward the security establishment.

By Jamshid Jamshidi

Manon Roca / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

As Lebanon-Israel talks drag on, can Beirut break Iran linkage?

Despite efforts to continue the direct talks between Israel and Lebanon aimed to reach a permanent end of hostilities and security arrangements, outside factors, including Israeli escalation, Hezbollah’s staunch refusal to disarm and the stalled US-Iranian nuclear talks, risk hindering any tangible outcomes that would favor Lebanon.

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Analysis

How Turkey is deepening energy and economic ties with Iraq as Iran weakens

Turkey and Iraq are accelerating energy, infrastructure and trade cooperation as the Hormuz crisis increases the strategic value of northern export routes.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Latest News

Iran says deal on Strait of Hormuz is close but not enough to open the waterway

Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 6, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Analysis

How Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact puts Iran's regional strategy to test

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif in Mecca after signing the defense pact, Aug. 7, 2026.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

As pro-Palestinian candidates gain ground, will AIPAC's influence wane?

By Adam Lucente

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

Analysis

FIFA in turmoil: Middle East takes center stage as Infantino fights to stay in power

Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, speaks to the media during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Press Conference at Mexico City Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

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FILE PHOTO: Longtime chief of Lebanon's Central Bank Riad Salameh, poses as he leaves office after a 30-year tenure, at Lebanon's Central Bank building in Beirut, Lebanon July 31, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir//File Photo

Lebanon indicts ex-central bank governor Salameh over new alleged financial crimes

Reuters

FILE PHOTO: A satellite image shows an oil slick next to the Caroline Bezengi, a sanctioned vessel off the coast of the Dhofar Governorate, Oman, July 28, 2026. 2026 Planet Labs PBC/Handout via REUTERS/ File Photo

Oil spill off Oman from tanker under sanctions against Russia spreads over huge area

Reuters

FILE PHOTO: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and adviser to Iran's supreme leader Mohsen Rezaei attend a farewell ceremony for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iran, for international delegates at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran, Iran, July 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem/File Photo

Factbox-Who is Iran's Mohsen Rezaei, the hardliner appointed to key security role?

Reuters

FILE PHOTO: Protesters carry Palestinian flags near the White House, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 28, 2026. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo

Explainer-Trump's Gaza plan hinges on Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawals

Reuters

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PJAK leader mocks Iran’s claim Turkey spiked US Kurdish-backed regime-change plan

A Kurdish fighter from the Iranian Kurdish armed faction Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) stands with his rifle at a site near the Iraqi border with Iran in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, on March 8, 2026.

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A ship sails off the coast of Ajman on July 10, 2026.

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Analysis

As Lebanon-Israel talks drag on, can Beirut break Iran linkage?

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Analysis

How Hormuz crisis is boosting IRGC and Iran’s security establishment

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Analysis

FIFA in turmoil: Middle East takes center stage as Infantino fights to stay in power

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