Iran-US tensions

Interview

Grossi: IAEA seeks return to Syria as Kurdish unrest delays nuclear inspections

Hostilities between the Syrian government and the Kurdish administration in the northeast have slowed the IAEA’s monitoring of the country’s nuclear facilities, Rafael Grossi said in an interview with Al-Monitor from Davos.

Rafael Grossi

IAEA Director General

Iran ramps up crackdown, vows 'to cut off hand' that threatens Khamenei

Iran doubled down on the narrative that the protesters were "Israel-linked mercenaries," as international calls grew for the regime's accountability after its bloody crackdown on the unrest.

Iran

Analysis

Israel assesses Iran protest wave over, regrets not targeting Khamenei

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu might have influenced the US decision not to strike Tehran, but several Israeli experts believe that persuading US President Trump to hold back constitutes a generational tragedy.

By Ben Caspit

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

Iran blackout enters 12th day as filtered internet reveals crackdown

Nearly 4,000 people have been killed in the protests in Iran, as videos emerging amid limited access to internet show the scale of the crackdown launched by security forces.

Iran

Analysis

Iran’s economic failure leaves regime exposed as new shocks promise turmoil

From the June war with Israel to UN sanctions, a string of shocks in 2025 paved the way for protests to ignite in Iran, as a broad coalition of ordinary citizens rose up in response to an economy in free fall.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Oil and predictability: Why Gulf, Arab states oppose regime change in Iran

Any US military action against Iran would raise the risk of retaliation against oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf, either directly or through allied armed groups.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Feature

Bodies for ransom: Iranians fleeing to Turkey recount regime crackdown, retribution

Transiting Istanbul Airport, they also spoke of the internet blackout, hurried departures and skepticism of foreign intervention providing relief.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Trump tempers threats, 'thanks' Iran for halting protester executions

President Trump said the canceled Iranian executions “had a big impact” on his decision-making regarding a military response.

Iran

Trump's Venezuela buildup delays US aircraft carrier, raising stakes of Iran strike

The presence in the Middle East of a full carrier strike group would significantly bolster the military’s ability to disrupt potential barrages of retaliatory Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.

By Jared Szuba

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

Witkoff lays out conditions for deal with Iran, warns alternative 'bad one'

The US Middle East envoy has said he favors a diplomatic resolution of tensions with Iran rather than military action, in line with the president's recent remarks, but the threat of military escalation remains.

Iran

Analysis

Israel 'frustrated' by Trump’s Iran backtrack, unsure if strategy or cold feet

Israeli leaders had hoped that the US president would order attacks to help topple the government in Tehran and perhaps target Supreme Leader Khamenei.

By Ben Caspit

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

Tehran jams Starlink as Iranians take risks to skirt internet blackout

Iranians have turned to the US internet provider to get online amid a government-imposed network blackout that began Jan. 8.

Iran