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Iran

November 7, 2026

Tehran 9:42 pm

13°C

Alexey BABUSHKIN / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Iran turns to Putin as war, US election reshape strategic calculations

A Kremlin meeting with Iran's top security official coupled with reports of new arms deals amid looming war demonstrate Tehran's push to turn vulnerability into strategic leverage.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Tump

Can Trump turn midterm defeat into Iran breakthrough?

Although Iran may have contributed to Republican losses in midterms, the Trump administration still has a historic opportunity in the Middle East.

ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images

As Trump weighs Iran strikes, possible nuclear opening emerges

Sticking points include Iran's highly enriched uranium and lack of access for international inspectors.

Latest News

Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports

Russian Mil Mi-8 military helicopters fly over a joint Russian and Turkish convoy, northeastern Hasakeh province, Syria, Feb. 4, 2021.

Turkey says soldier killed by gunfire from Iran at border: What to know

A sign marking the border of Turkey in Van, Turkey, on March 14, 2026.

Explainer

Democrats’ midterm sweep tests US-Israel ties as Eisenkot vows reset

An aerial view shows a campaign billboard depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party and President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, on Oct. 26, 2026, on the eve of Israel's legislative elections.

Analysis

Iran cheers Democrats’ midterm victory but fears Trump's next move

Iranians walk along a building installed with a giant poster depicting Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during a rally in front of the former US embassy to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, in Tehran on Nov. 4, 2026.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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 maintains cautious calm as Taliban rises

Iran has been quietly watching the rise of the Taliban on its eastern border.

Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan's meeting with the new head of the British diplomatic mission in Iran Simon Shercliff on the historical stair, where the 1943 Tehran conference was held

Russian, UK envoys ignite fury in Iran with 'inappropriate' restaged photo

A restaged version at the Russian Embassy in Tehran of the historic 1943 photo showing Soviet, American and British "Big Three" leaders at the then-Soviet Embassy angered many Iranians, who have historically seen the 1943 Tehran Conference as a bitter symbol of subordination to world powers.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Intel: US sanctions oil broker reportedly linked to Iran’s Quds Force

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Raisi inauguration reveals rifts in Iran establishment

Apart from the controversy over an EU representative's presence at the event, the absence of once powerful politicians laid bare divisions in Iran's upper echelons.

Iran professor gets vaccinated

Iran's supreme leader urges officials to acquire vaccines 'any way possible'

Khamenei called on officials to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine any way they can.

AFP via Getty Images

Iran's new foreign minister may bring 'tough line' to nuclear talks

Amir-Abdollahian previously served as Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs.

Supporters of Iran's defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi clash with police (unseen) during a protest in Tehran on June 20, 2009. Saeed Mortazavi had been linked to the deaths of at least four protesters arrested during rallies against the disputed re-election of then hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Iran judiciary rules in favor of notorious ex-prosecutor

Apart from his notoriety as the "butcher of the free media," Saeed Mortazavi has been implicated in multiple controversial cases, from torture and murder to corruption and embezzlement.

This courtroom sketch shows Iranian defendant Hamid Noury (2ndL) sitting in the District Court of Stockholm with his Defence Attorney Daniel Marcus (3rdL) on the opening of his trial for "war crimes and murder", on Aug. 10, 2021.

Sweden opens trial of Iranian accused of role in 1988 mass murder

Swedish prosecutors accuse Hamid Noury of participating in the extrajudicial executions of political prisoners who were affiliated with an armed Iranian opposition group

Antony Blinken

Blinken urges UN to hold Iran accountable for Mercer Street attack

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the drone strike was the latest in a pattern of Iranian attacks and provocative behavior.

Macron and Raisi

Raisi to Macron: Iran's 'rights' must be upheld in nuclear talks

During their phone call Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iran's new president to resume negotiations in Vienna.

Chairman of Iran's Setad foundation, or the Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order, Mohammad Mokhber speaks during a press conference.

Iran official says fifth COVID-19 wave will be last

While Iranian officials are worried about the spread of COVID-19, they hope vaccination efforts can prevent a sixth wave.

Raisi at swearing-in

Raisi ready to support ‘any diplomatic plan’ that lifts sanctions on Iran

Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister is ready to "send a message" to Iran in response to drone attack on Israeli-managed ship that killed two.