Iran-US tensions

The Foreign Minister chaired the Security Council session on cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Nations.

Breaking | Last Updated: April 7, 2026, 12:42 pm

China, Russia veto scaled-back Hormuz resolution at UN Security Council

The vote came hours before the US deadline for Iran to reopen the global chokepoint.

The Dubai skyline with the landmark Burj Khalifa skyscraper (R) is pictured as a smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport on March 16, 2026. Flights were gradually resuming at Dubai airport on March 16, previously the world's busiest for international flights, the airport operator said, after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fuel tank fire nearby, as Iran kept up its Gulf attacks. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) /

Gulf nations in line of fire brace for Iran escalation: What to know

A bridge linking Saudi Arabia to Bahrain was briefly closed as Iran escalates its attacks in the Gulf ahead of a looming US deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

United Arab Emirates

Motorists ride scooters near a large political banner, depicting missiles being fired behind Iranian demonstrators in solidarity with the government, at Valiasr Square in Tehran on April 6, 2026.

US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island as Trump threatens 'whole civilization'

Iranian outlets reported several explosions on the island, which is crucial to the country’s oil industry, just hours ahead of a US deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz.

TOPSHOT - A view of the B1 bridge is pictured, a day after it was destroyed by a strike in Karaj, around 20miles (35kms) southwest of Tehran, April 3, 2026. US President Donald Trump said on April 2 the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed, hours after threatening to bomb the country "back to the Stone Ages." (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images) /

With Trump's goals unmet, can strikes on Iran's economy force a deal?

Ordering the US military to destroy Iran's road transit system and electrical grid risks war crimes that may harden Iranian resistance after five weeks of bombing has failed to deliver Trump’s strategic objectives.

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From France to India: Who is Iran allowing through the Strait of Hormuz?

Indian vessel Nanda Devi, carrying liquefied petroleum gas, arrives at Vadinar Port in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat state on March 17, 2026, after Iran allowed it to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a

‘No bridges, no power plants’: Trump ups threats against Iran if deal fails

US President Donald Trump looks on during a press conference about the conflict in Iran in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, on April 6, 2026, in Washington.

Analysis

How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals

This handout photograph provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry press service shows Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (L) meeting with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (R) in Damascus on Dec. 22, 2025.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Iran rejects latest ceasefire proposal as Trump deadline looms

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 06: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he attends the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 06, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Easter Egg Roll is a White House tradition dating back to 1878. The Trumps also honored the 250th anniversary of the United States during the event. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, China's Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu, and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi hold a press conference at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on March 14, 2025. (LINTAO ZHANG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

China walks tightrope on Iran as E3 trigger snapback sanctions

With snapback sanctions now in motion, Beijing must decide how much risk it is willing to assume in standing by Tehran.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, arrives for an IAEA Board of Governors meeting at the IAEA headquarters on June 23, 2025, in Vienna, Austria.

IAEA chief says inspectors back in Iran as E3 weighs reimposing sanctions

Rafael Grossi's comments come just hours after talks between the E3 and Iran concluded in Geneva, where the two sides discussed the reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran.

A picture taken on Nov. 10, 2019, shows an Iranian flag in Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, during an official ceremony to kick-start works on a second reactor at the facility.

Iran turns to Russia ahead of E3 nuclear talks: What to know

The meeting on Tuesday follows a call on Monday between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Putin expressed support for Iran's nuclear program and its upcoming talks.

Missiles and UAV's are showed for the people on the side of the road in Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 11, 2024.

Analysis

Missiles and brinkmanship: Iran hardens stance in nuclear standoff

With its missile drills and harsh rhetoric, Tehran is doubling down on deterrence to warn the United States and Israel against contemplating military action.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton speaks at a panel hosted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran – U.S. Representative Office (NCRI-US) at the Willard InterContinental Hotel on Aug. 17, 2022 in Washington, DC.

FBI raids home of Iran hawk and Trump critic John Bolton: What to know

The Trump administration accused former adviser John Bolton of releasing classified material with the publication of his memoir, while Turkey took issue with an excerpt on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

This handout image shows a view of the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant on Aug. 21, 2010, in Bushehr, southern Iran.

Analysis

Deadline for sanctions snapback tests Iran’s resolve

Only 10 days remain before the E3's deadline to “snap back” sanctions on Iran expires. With the clock ticking, can Tehran persuade the Europeans to change course?

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

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.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, the former Iranian foreign minister, speaks to supporters during an election rally in support of Iranian presidential election candidate Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Iran, on June 24, 2024.

Iran's political split deepens: Reformists urge uranium freeze as hard-liners resist

The recent war with Israel has exposed fault lines across Iran's political spectrum, galvanizing moderate factions to call for domestic and regional policy reforms.

A view of Simorgh (L) and Safir (2nd from left) Space Launch Vehicles and other Iran-made missiles in Iran's Museum of the Holy Defense in Tehran, Iran, on April 4, 2025.

Iran plans 20 satellites, test launch by end of 2025: What to know

Iran is seeking investment in its space agency and has made progress in developing satellites in the face of sanctions, though reliance on Russia remains a factor.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian waves as he boards a plane at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport on Aug. 18, 2025, ahead of his trip to Armenia.

Iran’s Pezeshkian seeks assurances in Armenia as Yerevan, Baku nominate Trump for Nobel

Tehran is concerned that the new Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor, announced in an agreement brokered by Washington earlier this month, threatens its access to regional trade routes and could invite a foreign military presence.

RABIH DAHER/AFP via Getty Images

Lebanon's PM slams Hezbollah chief for making 'threat of civil war'

Tensions are rising as Lebanon’s government, under pressure from the US, moves forward with a plan to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

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.