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Iran

April 30, 2026

Tehran 11:06 pm

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In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf

The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US.

QESHM ISLAND, IRAN - APRIL 28: Boats navigate the sea on April 28, 2026 on Qeshm Island, Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's latest proposal for ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz calls on the United States to end its naval blockade of Iran's ports, and sets aside questions about what to do with Iran's nuclear program. The United States has not formally responded to the latest proposal, which was delivered by Iran's foreign minister to Pakistan two days ago. (Photo by Asghar Besharati/Getty Images

US blockade tests Iran's limits, but will global pain force Trump’s hand?

President Trump is doubling down on economic warfare against Iran, betting a naval blockade and sanctions can force a nuclear deal and end the war.

Local residents look on from outside a cordoned off area in the Golders Green neighborhood of north London on April 29, 2026, following the stabbing to two people nearby.

Iran-linked group claims stabbing in Jewish area in London: What to know

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya has been linked to a number of attacks on Jewish targets in Europe, as well as an anti-regime Iranian news outlet.

Latest News

Oil surges past $120 to war-time high as Trump rejects Iran overture

A pumpjack stands idle in the Huntington Beach oil field, with port cranes visible in the distance, on April 23, 2026, in Huntington Beach, California.

Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates

President Donald Trump gives a speech during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn on April 28, 2026, in Washington.

Iranian rial hits new record low as blockade, war take toll: What to know

An Iraqi money dealer counts Iranian rial banknotes bearing a portrait of the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, at an exchange office in Baghdad on Feb. 3, 2012.

Pentagon: Iran war has cost US estimated $25B so far

In this handout photo provided by the U.S. Navy, Two F/A-18 Super Hornets launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 3, 2026 in the Mediterranean Sea.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

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

Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Benjamin Houghton

In Durham, reporting on China in the Middle East

Rahim Rahimov

In Baku, reporting on Middle East-Caucasus ties

Mehrnaz Samimi

In Washington, DC, reporting on Iranian culture

This image was taken in January 2016 in Hara Marine Forests (Mangrove Jungle) in Qeshm Island.

Azerbaijan detains Iranian boat for alleged drug smuggling

The incident has added to tense ties between Iran and Azerbaijan, in part due to the Baku’s ties to Israel and Tehran's support to Armenia.

TOPSHOT - Saudi elite aerobatic flying team of the Royal Saudi Air Force Saudi Hawks performs during the aviation event 11th Athens Flying Week over Tanagra air base in Schimatari, north of Athens, on September 3, 2023. (Photo by Theophile Bloudanis / AFP) (Photo by THEOPHILE BLOUDANIS/AFP via Getty Images)

9% spike in Mideast military spending driven by Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey

Military spending in the region increased by its largest percentage in a decade, in part due to the Gaza war, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Muslim worshippers performing the umrah pilgrimage walk between the Marwa and Safa hills at the Grand Mosque on the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, March 23, 2023.

Culture

After 9 years, first Iranian pilgrims head to Saudi Arabia for umrah

The flights carrying Iranian pilgrims are the latest sign of rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran after restoring ties last year.

Motorists drive their vehicles past a billboard depicting named Iranian ballistic missiles in service, with text in Arabic reading, "The honest [person's] promise" and in Persian, "Israel is weaker than a spider's web," in Valiasr Square in central Tehran on April 15, 2024.

After Israel strike, time to reset diplomacy on Iran’s nuclear program

Al-Monitor’s coverage of the regional crisis from Iran, Israel, Syria, Washington and more.

A man walks past a banner depicting missiles along a street in Tehran on April 19, 2024. Iran's state media reported explosions in the central province of Isfahan on April 19, as US media quoted officials saying Israel had carried out retaliatory strikes on its arch-rival. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Why Iran is downplaying Israel's Isfahan attack despite public bravado

Iranian officials appeared uninterested in entering into a fresh round of escalation with Israel and soft-pedaled on the severity of the Isfahan attack, which, in their view, did not invite reciprocation.

An Iranian long-range Ghadr missile displaying "Down with Israel" in Hebrew is pictured at a defence exhibition in city of Isfahan, central Iran, on Feb. 8, 2023.

Israel carries out strikes in Isfahan, Iran: reports

Explosions were heard in Qahjaverestan, northeast of Isfahan, early Friday morning as US officials confirmed that Israel carried out strikes against Iran.

A truck carries an Iranian 'Fattah' hypersonic ballistic missile during the annual military parade marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the devastating 1980-1988 war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq, in Tehran on Sept. 22, 2023.

US sees Iran attack as strategic win for regional air defense

US officials have spent years painstakingly convincing Arab leaders to share air defense intelligence. Iran’s massive barrage against Israel just proved their point.

An Iranian military truck carries a Sayad 4-B missile past a portrait of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a military parade on April 17, 2024

IRGC commander says Iran may 'revise' nuclear posture if attacked by Israel

The region is bracing for a possible Israeli response to Iran’s unprecedented attack on the country.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Breaking | Last Updated: April 18, 2024, 12:12 pm

US hits Iran’s drone program with fresh sanctions after Israel attack

Washington has announced new Iran sanctions in response to last week’s attack on Israel, targeting 16 people and two entities linked to Iran’s drone production and testing.

A view of an anti-Israel mural illustrates appreciation for the IRGC attack on Israel with text in Persian reading "The next slap will be stronger" and in Hebrew "Your next mistake will be the end of your fake country."

Nervousness reigns as ordinary Iranians fear Israel war looming

Fears of a military conflict with Israel are fast spreading among many Iranians who are already feeling the economic impacts of the recent escalation and facing the state crackdown over criticism of the Israel attack.

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

'All options' on table as US readies fresh Iran sanctions after Israel attack

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said measures would be announced "in the coming days" and could including targeting illicit Iranian oil revenue.

ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images

UK’s easyJet suspends Israel flights through October after Iran attack

Britain’s biggest low-cost airline has suspended all service to Israel following Iran’s unprecedented attack on the Jewish state over the weekend.