Iran-US tensions

South Africa and Iranian military officials.

Iran hosts South Africa military chief, eyes stronger defense ties

Iran is seeking closer relations with South Africa as part of its African outreach efforts, though trade and defense ties between the two countries are not particularly strong.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command speaks during a press conference in front of the USS Port Royal (CG 73) Guided-missile cruiser at al-Shuaiba port, 35km South of Kuwait City on June 6, 2022.

Analysis

What new CENTCOM commander means for Middle East power balance

A Navy admiral known for his diplomatic approach has taken charge of US Central Command amid uncertainty about Washington’s ability to avoid further regional entanglements.

Jared Szuba

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

Grossi speaks to UNSC

IAEA official visits Tehran for first time since Iran-Israel war: What to know

Following its June war with Israel, Iran halted cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog and its inspectors departed the country.

Sudani and Larijani

Iran security chief visits Iraq, Lebanon as Baghdad weighs pro-Iran militia law

Ali Larijani, who was recently appointed to head Iran’s top security body, has embarked on visits to Iraq and Lebanon as Baghdad faces US pressure to contain Iranian-backed groups.

Latest News

Analysis

Iran reshapes military as proxies falter, 'inevitable' clash with Israel looms

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) makes a speech as he attends the National Army Day ceremony on April 18, 2025 in Tehran, Iran.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

China's oil imports fall 5.4% as Iranian flows recede from June highs

A ship loaded with oil docks at a pier with the help of a tugboat at the port of Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on June 12, 2025.

Iran’s president to visit Armenia, China: What to know

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends his first press conference, after taking office. on September 16, 2024 in Tehran, Iran.

Analysis

How lessons from Iran, Ukraine are shaping US Army’s new missile defense plan

A picture taken on Jan. 13, 2020, shows US Army drones at the Ain al-Asad air base in the western Iraqi province of Anbar.

Jared Szuba

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

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks with Al-Monitor president Andrew Parasiliti at an Al-Monitor Global Institute event in Washington, DC, May 22, 2025.

US backs more energy investment in Kurdistan region: Energy secretary

Speaking at the Al-Monitor Global Institute event, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signaled American support for further investment in Iraqi Kurdistan’s hydrocarbon resources.

People walk near anti-US mural with the slogan "Down with the USA" and skulls replacing the stars on the flag, in Tehran, on May 20, 2025.

What's next for US-Iran nuclear talks as Khamenei holds firm on enrichment?

As American bombers withdraw from the region and threats of a military strike ease, the Iranian leader hardened his stance, vowing that Tehran will pursue its nuclear enrichment program "without anyone's permission."

Sun setting at the back of large buildings under construction of Tehran at dusk.

Analysis

Iran's industries risk collapse as grid falters, nuclear talks drag on

After Iran's leadership lashed out at President Donald Trump's recent castigating remarks about the country's energy crisis, key industrial units said they were on the verge of full bankruptcy due to government-ordered blackouts.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Levant Affairs and Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn delivers a statment ahead of a meeting of the Syria constitution-writing committee on October 29, 2019 at the United Nations Offices in Geneva. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Joel Rayburn commits to helping lift Syria sanctions, boxing in Iranian influence

In a hearing with Senate lawmakers, the White House’s pick to become the State Department’s top diplomat on the Middle East argued for capitalizing on Iran’s losses in Syria and Lebanon while stressing that the Islamic Republic should not have the ability to enrich uranium domestically.

US President Donald Trump looks on as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets the crowd during the Saudi-US investment forum at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. Saudi Arabia on May 13 promised billions of dollars in deals with the United States from defence to artificial intelligence as it threw a lavish welcome for President Donald Trump on the first state visit of his second term. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty I

Analysis

Trump’s Gulf tour alarms Iran as it fears isolation, shifting alliances

Sanctions-hit Iran is anxiously watching Trump clinch multibillion-dollar trade deals with regional heavyweights, yet it is finding a moment of relief in the "sidelining" of Israel.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

US President Donald Trump gestures as he walks to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, May 12, 2025.

Analysis

Netanyahu scrambles as Trump skips Israel visit, gap widens on Gaza, Iran

Despite pleas on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s part, President Donald Trump will not pass through Israel during his Gulf tour.

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

President Donald Trump boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on May 12, 2025, in Washington.

Analysis

With US-Saudi defense pact stalled, Trump eyes civilian nuclear deal

Negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program have placed the Trump administration's strategic approach to the Middle East in a holding pattern.

Jared Szuba

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

US President Donald Trump (L) bids farewell to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he leaves the White House after a meeting on April 7, 2025, in Washington.

Analysis

How Trump's Gulf tour and release of Edan Alexander expose rift with Netanyahu

The US-Hamas deal for the release of Edan Alexander is just one of a series of issues where the gaps between Washington and the Netanyahu government keep growing.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to AFP during an interview at the Iranian consulate in Jeddah on March 7, 2025.

Analysis

Iran's counterbalancing act: Araghchi in Saudi Arabia ahead of Trump tour

The Iranian foreign minister's visit is seen as Tehran's effort to rally Saudi support behind its position in the US-Iran nuclear talks amid escalating threats from American officials, which have fueled uncertainty about the fate of the fragile diplomatic initiative.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Skyscraper in Doha, Qatar.

As Iran lashes out, Trump undecided on changing ‘Persian Gulf’ to ‘Arabian Gulf’

Trump distanced himself from a report that he would instruct the government to stop using the term "Persian Gulf."

ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images

US loses second F/A-18 jet in week of Houthi campaign

The incident marks an inauspicious end to the latest chapter in the US military's confrontation with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Jared Szuba

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

A woman walks past a banner depicting launching missiles bearing the emblem of the Islamic Republic of Iran in central Tehran on April 15, 2024.

Iran vows ‘unrestrained’ force with new missile ahead of next round of US nuclear talks

Iran's state media said the solid-fuel, precision-guided ballistic missile, Qasem Basir, carried "a clear message" to Israel, which has "prior experience" with being hit by Iranian projectiles.