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Iran

May 10, 2026

Tehran 2:23 am

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China’s overland trade routes offer Iran wartime economic lifeline: What to know

Cargo rail traffic between China and Iran has reportedly surged since the US blockade began in April as Tehran seeks overland trade alternatives to help buy time.

A woman walks past a banner featuring Iran's late supreme leaders, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (L) and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (C), next to newly elected Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran on April 19, 2026.

Analysis

Why Iran's wartime behavior risks lasting rupture with Gulf states

Iran's rhetoric and policies toward Gulf states have sharply escalated, raising questions about whether years of painstaking regional rapprochement can survive mounting distrust and maritime confrontations.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Traffic passes a billboard depicting Iranian ballistic missiles in service, with text in Arabic reading "the honest [person's] promise" and in Persian "Israel is weaker than a spider's web," Valiasr Square, Tehran, April 15, 2024. ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images.

Analysis

CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates

The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections.

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

Getty

US strikes Iran tankers as UAE reports fresh missile, drone attacks

Strikes on Iranian tankers and fresh exchanges in the Gulf escalate tensions as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a deal proposal.

Latest News

What to know about Iran's 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' to control Hormuz traffic

In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency on May 4, 2026, the Iran-flagged tugboat Basim sails near a ship anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.

US sets expectations for Iraq’s next PM to confront Iranian militias

Popular Mobilization Forces

Analysis

China shores up Iran support as Trump seeks exit

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China in Beijing on May 6, 2026. Credit: Telegram

Joyce Karam

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

As #MeToo reaches Iran, legal system remains major obstacle to justice

While an increasing number of rape and sexual assault victims are speaking out in Iran, the country's legal code often prevents justice from being realized and even puts some victims at risk of punishment.

Mother of Iranian sons sentenced claims they were tortured

In today's Iran media review, the mother of three brothers who received sentences in an Iranian prison says they were tortured. And Iranian media outlets react to Lebanon's new prime minister.

US government seizes control of websites allegedly involved in Iran-Venezuela oil deal

The seizure follows the US interception of fuel tankers from Iran en route to Venezuela this month amid increased US pressure on both countries.

Is Syria’s eastern front about to boil over?

Another tough week for US-Turkey relations as Erdogan accuses US of "sick mentality."

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi arrives to the southern city of Basra late on August 22, 2020, accompanied by security forces' commanders in a surprise visit. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP) (Photo by HUSSEIN FALEH/AFP via Getty Images)

As Iraqi PM balances ties with US, Iran and Arab states, Tehran weighs next move

Although Iran supports Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, there are signs it has concerns about his rapprochement with the United States and the Arab world.

Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami attends the VII Moscow Conference on International Security MCIS-2018 in Moscow on April 4, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Alexander NEMENOV (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

What’s next for Russia-Iran military partnership?

If the arms embargo on Iran ends in October, what arms might Tehran buy from Moscow?

Rafael Grossi, (left) Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), opens a virtual meeting of the Board of Governors of the IAEA , due to coronavirus safety related measures, at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria on June 15, 2020. - The UN nuclear watchdog's governing body began meeting on Monday as a row brews over Iran's refusal to allow access to two sites where nuclear activity may have occurred in the past. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP) (Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty I

Iran agrees on UN inspector access to suspected ex-nuclear sites

The International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran said in a joint statement that inspectors will have access to two suspected former nuclear sites.

Pompeo praises killing of Iranian commander at Republican convention

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Qasem Soleimani was responsible for killing US soldiers and other rogue actions in the Middle East.

Iran officials hold ‘constructive’ talks with visiting IAEA chief

The UN nuclear watchdog chief is in Tehran following an IAEA report in June criticizing Iran’s refusal to allow inspection at two of its nuclear sites, where undeclared enrichment has been reported.

Clashes between US, regime forces present new challenges for Russia in Syria

Northeastern Syria's volatile mix of players is proving to be a tough test for Russia.

Iran's Khamenei calls for making economy independent

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke about the need for an economy that is not dependent on other countries.

Iran unveils ballistic missile named after Qasem Soleimani

A missile named for the powerful commander killed in a US drone strike last January was unveiled on Iranian state TV Thursday.