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May 1, 2026

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This photo obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim shows an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boat allegedly taking part in an operation to seize ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, on April 21, 2026.

Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies

As the Hormuz standoff intensifies, Trump must choose between military escalation, a limited diplomatic deal, or continuing a pressure campaign against Iran.

AFP via Getty Images

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.

Latest News

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

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.

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.

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

Armenia Azerbaijan Iran

Iran plays up mediator role in hosting Azerbaijan-Armenia dialogue

The Islamic Republic took the opportunity of the regional summit to promote its anti-Western agenda by urging South Caucasus nations to reject "interference from extra-regional" powers.

In the aftermath of the bombing of Gaza's Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Oct. 17, 2023, a pro-government demonstration on Oct. 18, 2023, in Tehran, Iran, includes protesters burning the flags of the United States and Israel as a display of solidarity with Palestine.

Washington warns Iran as doubts grow about Israel's abilities in Gaza war

The White House on Monday accused Iran of "actively facilitating" attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria as Washington pledges to continue its support for Israel's war in Gaza.

Tehran

Rights groups condemn Iran's sentencing of women journalists who covered Mahsa Amini’s death

The two journalists had been held in pre-trial detention since their arrest last year after covering young Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody.

US President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Thursday on the conflict between Israel and Gaza and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

On Israel-Hamas war, Biden puts Iran on notice as it bides its time

The US president linked Russia and Hamas in their desire to "annihilate" neighboring democracies, and their relationship with Iran; Israel rethinks deterrence; Biden foreshadows a post-war future.

An Iranian missile stands on display in front of a large portrait of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a square in south Tehran, Sept. 28, 2008.

How might Iran respond to an Israeli ground incursion into Gaza?

The Islamic Republic appears uninterested in a direct confrontation with Israel amid the latter's war with Tehran-backed militants in Gaza, but has warned that its proxies remain ready to pull the trigger and "re-map" Israel.

The Tamar drilling natural gas production platform, some 25 kilometers west of Ashkelon, Israel, February 2013.

Analysis

Could Israel-Hamas war lead to another winter energy crisis for Europe?

LNG spot prices have shot up since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out, but European inventories are at all-time highs.

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

ran's President Ebrahim Raisi watches combat drones alongside high-ranking officials and commanders during a military parade marking the country's annual army day in Tehran on April 18, 2023.

US targets Iran's drone, missile programs as UN restrictions expire

US officials said the latest sanctions are intended to constrain Iran's military relationship with Russia and counter the Islamic Republic's destabilizing regional behavior.

A statue of Alexander Hamilton is seen outside the US Department of Treasury building, Washington, March 13, 2023.

US unveils sanctions against Hamas members, financial network

The 10 targets included a longtime Hamas operative based in Qatar who the Treasury Department said has close ties to Iran.

A picture shows a view of the dried-up bed of the al-Kalal River in the city of Badrah, near the Iran border, on August 28, 2023. Iraq's drought reflects a decline in the level of waterways due to the lack of rain and lower flows from upstream neighboring countries Iran and Turkey.

Agriculture, business interests will continue to weigh on Iran’s water sector

Bijan Khajehpour

Bijan Khajehpour

In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics

TOPSHOT - Members of the Iranian Basij forces stage a mock arrest of a man dressed like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an anti-Israeli rally to show their solidarity with Palestinians in the capital Tehran on October 13, 2023. Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran on Friday in a show of support for Palestinians amid a bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran doubles down on backing Hamas, says US unable to block $6 billion fund

The Islamic Republic has dismissed a reported US-Qatari deal on pausing an expected release of unfrozen Iranian funds while warning that other Iran-baked regional proxies could join Hamas' battle against Israel.

Iranians attend a gathering in Tehran on October 7, 2023, to express their solidarity with Palestine after Hamas militants launched a deadly air, land and sea assault into Israel from the Gaza Strip. A senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei voiced support for a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel, calling it a "proud operation". (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

US, Qatar reportedly agree to pause Iran's access to $6 billion fund

The Biden administration faced mounting congressional pressure to punish Iran over the surprise attack on Israel carried out by its proxy, Hamas.

Tehran

Khamenei cheers Hamas' 'epic' attacks on Israel, but denies Iran role

While taking "pride in Palestinian youths" for their attacks on Israel, the Iranian leader shielded Tehran from mounting accusations that it was behind the deadly operations.