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Iran

November 8, 2026

Tehran 11:03 am

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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

Khamenei declares victory as Tehran claims protests slowing

Iran's supreme leader says that a security "conspiracy" has been defeated after a heavy-handed crackdown crushed nationwide protests against gasoline price hikes.

A missile made by Revolutionary Guard is mounted on a Chinese helicopter during the 6th exhibition of aviation industry in Tehran, Iran, November 25, 2015. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. - GF20000073553

Report: Iran likely to buy Russian and Chinese arms

Tehran will likely look to Russia and China to purchase advanced weapons when a UN arms embargo against the country expires next year, a senior defense intelligence official said Nov. 19.

People protest against increased gas price, on a highway in Tehran, Iran November 16, 2019. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC2CCD9U9AIN

Tehran says protests subsiding as internet blackout drags on

Iranian authorities say a recent wave of nationwide protests has largely subsided, but a government-enforced internet shutdown and tight security measures remain in place.

An Iraqi demonstrator burns tires during the ongoing anti-government protests in Najaf, Iraq November 18, 2019. REUTERS/Alaa al-Marjani - RC2ODD964QFI

New scandals pour more fuel on Iraq protests

The popular protests in Iraq are still spreading, putting the government into even more of a corner.

An Iraqi demonstrator gestures during the ongoing anti-government protests in Najaf, Iraq November 18, 2019. REUTERS/Alaa al-Marjani - RC2ODD9WBX48

Djerejian: In addressing uprisings in Middle East, first 'do no harm'

Former US diplomat Edward Djerejian also sees opportunity for US diplomacy in Gulf crisis.

People stands in the street to show their protest against increased gas price in Tehran, Iran November 16, 2019. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC2BCD9CNWMV

Iranian media seems to be preparing public for clampdown on protests

The IRGC issued a statement warning that continued unrest would result in a firm confrontation.

Reduction in Iran's gasoline subsidy sparks anti-government protests

President Hassan Rouhani’s announcement of a large reduction in the gasoline subsidy sparked protests across a number of cities, with deaths having been reported.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo leaves the FDD National Security Summit in Washington, U.S., October 19, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas - RC1B22933190

Anti-Iran advocacy group FDD registers to lobby

The hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies, an influential Washington think tank, has registered to lobby US lawmakers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem November 13, 2019. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC29AD910BSB

Against odds, Netanyahu revives his fortunes

The Israeli prime minister takes out a terrorist foe, puts Iran’s Soleimani on notice and effectively sinks rival’s chances to form a new government — not a bad week.

People enter the State Department Building in Washington, U.S., January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts - RC1D48272C00

Probe claims State Department sidelined Iran expert in politicized smear campaign

The State Department's Office of the Inspector General finds that “improper considerations played a role" in the removal of a career employee's assignment to the department's policy planning office.

Rouhani: US no friend of Muslims, Mideast

President Hassan Rouhani has continued his new anti-US position at the latest Islamic Unity Conference.

US sanctions send Iranians to Turkey in droves

Turkey has continued to attract a steady trickle of economic migrants and asylum seekers from Iran.