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

Iran cover image

Iran

September 16, 2026

Tehran 1:08 pm

33°C

Houthi fighters marching

Analysis

How far will Iran push Houthis against Saudi Arabia amid raging conflict?

As Iran-backed Houthis broaden attacks on Saudi Arabia, Tehran's delicate calculation is exploiting the current conflict without being dragged into an escalation of its own making.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities shout slogans during a rally to recruit more fighters, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Sept. 10, 2026.

Analysis

Why Saudi Arabia's balancing act with US, Iran, Houthis risks collapse

Houthi rebels escalated their attacks on Tuesday, triggering alerts around the holy city of Mecca, Taif and the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Houthi

Exclusive

Houthi top diplomat says no intention to shut down Red Sea shipping, group open to talks

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Acting Foreign Minister of the Houthi-led administration Abdulwahid Abu Ras said concerns over a potential closure of the Red Sea are being fueled by Saudi Arabia.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Latest News

US hits major Russian bank VTB with Iran-linked sanctions

VTB Bank in Moscow

Third Sunni cleric killed in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan Province: What to know

Milak border crossing near the town of Zabol, Iran

Analysis

Saudi pipeline shutdown exposes shrinking global oil-supply buffers

AFP via Getty Images

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Oil tops $109 after Houthi strikes, Saudi pipeline shutdown

A sailor from the navy of Yemen's Aden-based internationally recognized government stands at a machine-gun position aboard a vessel patrolling a shipping lane off Hanish Island in the Red Sea on July 27, 2026.

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

Ahmadinejad mired in clash with judiciary, IRGC

Pressure is piling up on former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as two of his key aides are detained.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, launches a strike as part of the multinational response to Syria's use of chemical weapons is seen in this image from Al Udeid Air Base, Doha, Qatar released on April 14, 2018. U.S. Air Force/Handout via REUTERS. ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC1E73E5B3E0

Joint Syria strikes build US-EU trust ahead of critical Iran deadline

With the UK and France joining the United States in strikes over Syria’s chemical weapons use, trust is growing between the Trump and European national security teams ahead of a key May deadline on the Iran nuclear deal.

Saudi king uses Arab Summit to adjust Riyadh's stance toward Trump

In response to a growing rift between Riyadh's regional policies and some actions by President Donald Trump, King Salman has reaffirmed long-held alliances while distancing the kingdom from Washington.

Iran keeps close eye on upcoming US-North Korea talks

While Iran has refrained from commenting on the upcoming talks between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, it is keeping a close eye on the prospect of a nuclear deal between the United States and North Korea.

Following Syria strikes, Rouhani calls for closer Iran-Russia ties

Iranian officials say that the strikes on Syria demonstrate that armed groups are close to defeat.

After missile strikes, Trump resumes exit strategy for Syria

"No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East," Trump says.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer and crew, being deployed to launch strike as part of the multinational response to Syria's use of chemical weapons, is seen in this image released from Al Udeid Air Base, Doha, Qatar on April 14, 2018. U.S. Air Force/Handout via REUTERS. ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC1FB58E8DC0

Turkey's response to US-led Syria strikes: Not enough but welcomed

Immediate Turkish official reactions to the US-led airstrikes in Syria differ significantly from the public’s perceptions: While most Turks are skeptical of Western bombing of a Muslim nation, Erdogan fans afflicted by "Assad-phobia" cheered.

5 potential scenarios for Iran deal

With only weeks to go until US President Donald Trump faces a deadline to sign sanctions waivers, the nuclear deal with Iran could go very different places.

Protesters voice their opposition as CIA Director Mike Pompeo testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on Pompeoís nomination to be secretary of state on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 12, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis - HP1EE4C163E9Q

Pompeo faces Senate buzz saw over stance on Iran, Muslims

President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state is in trouble amid a backlash over his administration’s hawkish bent.

An Iranian man reads a copy of the daily newspaper 'Omid Javan' bearing a picture of US President Donald Trump with a headline that reads in Persian "Crazy Trump and logical JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)", on October 14, 2017, in front of a kiosk in the capital Tehran.
Iranians responded with anger and mockery to the bellicose criticism of their government by US President Donald Trump who threatened to tear up the landmark nuclear deal.
/ AFP PHOTO / STR (Photo credit should read STR/AF

Trump's threats fuel nuclear ambitions among Iranian conservatives

Iranian conservatives renew the prospect of exiting the nonproliferation treaty in case the United States withdraws from the nuclear deal.

Iranian banking reforms gain steam after long delay

Progress on major banking reforms in Iran finally moves in the right direction after years of stalling.

Is Iranian state TV’s monopoly at risk?

Iran’s state TV, which is facing a crisis over viewership since some of its best directors walked out, has found a strong rival in the home video network.