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

Iran cover image

Iran

November 11, 2026

Tehran 5:56 pm

11°C

Shoppers enter a SuperValu store in Haggardstown, Dundalk, Ireland on November 2, 2026. Grocery stores in at least six European countries saw temperatures in their cold cases soar on Monday, with several confirming they had been hit by a cyberattack similar to one three weeks ago in France. Supermarkets in Ireland, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Luxembourg and Sweden were among those affected in the latest hacker attack. (Photo by Arthur CARRON / AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Iran's alleged cyberattacks in France raise fears of wider confrontation

Iran's wartime threats are increasingly reaching beyond the Middle East, exposing vulnerabilities in Europe's civilian infrastructure and raising questions about Tehran's use of deniable operations to pressure its adversaries.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Iranian-made Zolfaghar missiles

Iran unveils new underground 'missile city': What to know

Iran has moved much of its missile stockpile underground as the threat of a new war looms.

Latest News

Hormuz LNG shipments hit wartime high, but Qatar lags

PATRICK MEINHARDT / AFP via Getty Images

GCC to build military command center in Kuwait as region simmers: What to know

ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images

France blames Iran for supermarket fridge hack, seeks EU sanctions

This photograph shows empty fresh-food refrigerators at an Intermarche supermarket in Nevez, France, on Oct. 12, 2026, following a cyberattack that caused its refrigerators to defrost.

Trump meets Qatar PM as mediators push Iran deal

President Donald Trump (R) attends a bilateral meeting with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the G7 summit, in Evian, France, on June 16, 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

Will Rouhani only serve one term as president?

The publication associated with Iran's Ansar-e Hezbollah argues that President Hassan Rouhani has failed in both his economic and diplomatic promises.

Will Iran pursue high-cost strategy in Syria?

A previously unpublished speech by an Iranian general who was killed in Syria may reveal efforts to justify Iran's growing involvement in Syria.

Is it time for China to step up its engagement in the Middle East?

It is time for China to capitalize on its position as the only great power with good relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia to facilitate regional engagement.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from the 48th Fighter Wing lands at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, November 12, 2015. Six F-15Es are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and counter-ISIL missions in Iraq and Syria. Picture taken November 12, 2015. REUTERS/USAF/Airman 1st Class Cory W. Bush/Handout via Reuters THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISIN

In the battle against IS, where is the Arab coalition?

Arab countries claiming their opposition against the Islamic State have stood down in their battle against the self-proclaimed "Caliph Ibrahim," creating a political void in the coalition.

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and U.S. security advisor Susan Rice (2nd L) prior to the opening session of the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders summit summit in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, Turkey November 15, 2015. Man at 2nd R is unidentified. REUTERS/Cem Oksuz/Pool - RTS76RI

As IS fight ramps up, Obama sees modest progress, hope for Syria diplomacy

President Barack Obama cited fragile progress in forging a Syrian diplomatic road map at international talks in Vienna that called for bringing the Syrian regime and opposition together for talks leading to a cease-fire, a new constitution in six months and new elections in 2017.

A bird flies through the polluted sky of Tehran January 25, 2007. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) - RTR1LLY7

Khamenei says Iran must go green

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a list of policy directives regarding the environment.

Will Rouhani and Zarif defy Khamenei by holding direct talks with US on Syria?

Despite Ayatollah Khamenei's public prohibition of dialogue with the United States on regional issues, it appears that Iran and the United States are bound to engage on Syria.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks after returning from the annual United Nations General Assembly, in Tehran September 29, 2015. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMAATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. NOT FOR USE BY REUTERS THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTORS. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY

Why is Rouhani backing off from those profiting from sanctions?

Is Rouhani's softer tone against those who've benefited from the sanctions on Iran a tactic to win them over — or is he just giving up?

A shadow is cast on a wall as flowers and candles are seen in front of placards in tribute to the victims of Paris attacks, outside French embassy in Tehran, Iran November 14, 2015. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. - RTS71X3

After Paris, Iran spy chief warns Tehran could be next

Iranian officials have warned about the possibility of an attack by the Islamic State.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz delivers his remarks to U.S. President Barack Obama (not pictured) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington September 4, 2015. This is the king's first visit to the United States since ascending to the throne in January. REUTERS/Gary Cameron - RTX1R558

Is it time for Israel to revisit its relationship with Sunni bloc?

With Iran fighting against IS forces, and in view of IS’ latest terrorism attacks in Egypt, Lebanon and France, the Israeli security establishment is questioning its regional security doctrine.

Flowers and candles are placed near the scene of a shooting the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris, France, November 14, 2015. REUTERS/Yves Herman - RTS72LB

How to defeat the Islamic State

To defeat the Islamic State, the world powers need a clear-cut, unified strategy to guide the war on terrorism.

A member of a smuggling group holds the leash of a horse carrying alcoholic drinks during a smuggling operation to Iran at the border near Sulaimaniya, 260 km (160 miles) northeast of Baghdad January 26, 2012. Border security forces repeatedly clash with smugglers who use the dark and rugged area to facilitate their operations. Picture taken on January 26, 2012. REUTERS/Stringer (IRAQ - Tags: CRIME LAW ANIMALS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTR2WXC1

Iran shifts approach to fight against alcohol

Faced with increasing rates of alcohol consumption, the Iranian authorities are beginning to treat the issue as a public health rather than religious concern.