Iran - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Iran cover image

Iran

July 6, 2026

Tehran 6:14 pm

37°C

Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei

Iran’s hard-line judicial chief Mohseni Ejie gets second term: What to know

The veteran judicial official, who has been sanctioned by the United States and the European Union, has been accused of overseeing widespread human rights violations for decades. His reappointment by Mojtaba Khamenei signals continuity in Iran's hardline judicial policies and crackdown on dissent.

A man walks past the flags of the countries attending the Gulf Cooperation Council summit at Bayan palace in Kuwait City on Dec. 5, 2017.

Analysis

How Iran war shaped divergent paths to security among GCC states

The Iran war left the Gulf more fragmented than united, with competing security strategies replacing any prospect of a common regional defense.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

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

Iranians walk past a billboard bearing a picture of Iran's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei ahead of his funeral in Tehran on July 3, 2026. Iranian leaders began paying their respects on July 3 before the coffin of the country's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, killed in the US-Israeli strikes that triggered the Middle East war, as Tehran prepared for a vast funeral. Khamenei's body arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla on July 3 ahead of ceremonies which are expected to draw millions. (Photo by AFP via Getty

Analysis

Iran set to bury Khamenei, but his hard-line legacy may endure

The elaborate funeral for the late supreme leader is becoming more than a farewell; it serves as a carefully staged test of regime continuity after his decades-long rule.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Analysis

As US-Iran talks falter, Israel views war outcome as 'total strategic failure’

Motorists drive past a billboard bearing a picture of Iran's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei, ahead of his funeral in Tehran on July 3, 2026. Iranian leaders began paying their respects on July 3 before the coffin of the country's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, killed in the US-Israeli strikes that triggered the Middle East war, as Tehran prepared for a vast funeral. Khamenei's body arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla on July 3 ahead of ceremonies which are expected to draw millions. (Photo by AFP via Ge

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

As Trump touts nuclear progress, US-Iran talks show little momentum

Nathan Howard / AFP via Getty Images

Oil falls below $71 as US-Iran talks continue, Gulf exports rebound

Crude oil tankers, bulk carriers and vessels sit anchored around Qaboos Port on June 22, 2026, in Muscat, Oman.

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

Iran nuclear

Pessimism prevails as Iran nuclear talks resume

Ahead of the new round, Iran’s foreign minister expressed doubt that the Western sides were ready to accept Tehran’s demands, while the United States spoke of “additional measures” if diplomacy was heading toward failure.

Dubai skyline

US to warn UAE banks, firms against sanctioned Iran dealings

The Wall Street Journal reports that US officials will warn petrochemical companies, private firms and banks of "extreme risk" for noncompliance.

Iran minister

The Takeaway: What to expect in next round of Iran nuclear talks

Iran’s dismal economy; Saudi defense reforms; Sudan-Ethiopia border dispute; Israeli settlements increase in Hebron; Mosul’s robot waiter; Luxor’s long-lost fertility goddess.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran security head claims US seeks to resurrect Islamic State

A top Iranian official attributed the ouster of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq to Tehran-backed militias while claiming that Washington seeks to revive the extremist group.

Iranian diplomat and political deputy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran Ali Bagheri Kani, in London, on Nov. 11, 2021.

Iran says window for talks not 'open forever' as Vienna dialogue resumes

Iran insists that it wants the original terms of the nuclear deal fully implemented.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani (R), and members of his delegation are seen leaving the Coburg Palais in Vienna on Dec. 3, 2021.

Iran's chief negotiator says burden is on West, not Iran, for next move in nuclear talks

Ali Bagheri Kani may wait for the other side to bring "something to the table" now.

In this handout provided by the EU Delegation in Vienna, Representatives of the European Union (L) and Iran (R) attend the Iran nuclear talks at the Grand Hotel on April 06, 2021 in Vienna, Austria.

Iran official says Tehran relied on prior agreements at Vienna talks

An Iranian official has said that their country’s draft of recommendations was based on the nuclear deal and did not discard the previous round of talks.

rugs

How feasible is Raisi’s economic roadmap for Iran?

The ministry of finance's new set of economic goals and timelines outlines lofty ambitions but ignores the current limits that sanctions place on Iran's international trade.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani.

Israel weighs options, timing of possible military strike on Iran

Despite deadlock in Vienna, expert/technical talks may have a faint pulse.

Ghaani

Iran's Quds Force chief warns US as hopes for nuclear accord fade

Esmail Ghaani implied that Iran is able to strike at the US in ways it once could not.

VLADIMIR SIMICEK/AFP via Getty Images

Iran accuses Israel of poisoning nuclear talks

Iran's sharp rebuke followed reports that Israel had shared intelligence with Western partners alleging that Iran's nuclear enrichment has nearly reached weapons-producing levels.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC, on Aug. 25, 2021.

Bennett urges Blinken to end Iran talks over 'nuclear blackmail'

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called for an "immediate cessation of negotiations" in Vienna.