Iran-US tensions

A view of the damaged B1 bridge, a day after it was destroyed by an airstrike, on April 3, 2026, west of Tehran in Karaj, Iran.

Israel, seeking wider war, hits Iranian railways, bridges as Trump deadline nears

Since the Trump administration announced its deadline, Israel has prepared for a potential US escalation, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure or ground operations.

An undated image of Shelly Kittleson.

Breaking | Last Updated: April 7, 2026, 2:06 pm

US journalist Shelly Kittleson released by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq

Two officials confirmed to Al-Monitor that Kittleson had been released.

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, 2:25 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.

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

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.

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

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) /

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.

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.

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

Navy admiral known for diplomatic acumen has taken charge of all American forces in the Middle East amid uncertainty about Washington’s ability to avoid further entanglements following the Iran-Israel war.

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.

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

Analysis

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

The establishment of Iran’s new National Defense Council is more than a bureaucratic reshuffle — it’s a move to restructure command systems that have been battered in the recent war with Israel, as Tehran prepares for a conflict it increasingly sees as inevitable.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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.

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

US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran’s economy, clamping down on its oil sector, a critical component of the state budget.

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

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

Tehran is looking to strengthen ties with regional and Asian powers as Western sanctions continue to squeeze its economy.

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.

Analysis

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

The Army's 2040 air and missile defense strategy aims to overcome gaps exploited by adversaries like Iran while heading off higher-tech advances from China and Russia.

Jared Szuba

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

pakistan

Analysis

As Iran looks East, Pezeshkian courts Pakistan to ease economic woes

During his visit to neighboring Pakistan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to deepen political and economic ties as part of a broader foreign policy strategy to ease sanctions and offset the fallout from the recent war with Israel.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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

Who Is Ali Larijani? Khamenei confidant returns to Iran’s top security post

The appointment comes amid a wider security reshuffling following Iran’s war with Israel in June.

This picture shows old Iranian banknotes of 1 million, 500,000,and 100,000 rials (L), and the new banknotes with four zeros removed (R), on Aug. 3, 2025.

Iran mulls nixing zeros from currency as value plunges: What to know

Iran has experienced massive inflation in recent years and is now contending with an energy crisis as well.