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September 7, 2026

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A man walks past a mural depicting oil pumps and the Venezuelan flag, with portraits of Venezuelan independence leader Simon Bolivar (L) and former late President Hugo Chavez (R), in Caracas, Venezuela, on Sept. 3, 2026.

Analysis

Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order?

Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

mural of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Analysis

How Iran's campaign against US bases is forging a new Gulf defense network

Iran's targeting of Gulf states is fueling a regional security architecture designed to counter the Islamic Republic.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Amir Yaryab

Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs?

The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations.

Ammar Ammar / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election

Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months.

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

Latest News

US sanctions Turkey-based bank over Iran ties

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Saudi oil exports hit nine-year low as tanker attacks threaten recovery

A commercial vessel passes through an international shipping lane off Yemen's Hanish Island in the Red Sea on July 27, 2026.

US expands Iran campaign with strikes on oil tankers

A women stands overlooking the water as ships are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on Aug. 10, 2026, off the coast of Bandar Abbas, Iran.

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

A prison guard stands along a corridor in Tehran's Evin prison June 13, 2006. Iranian police detained 70 people at a demonstration in favour of women's rights, the judiciary said on Tuesday, adding it was ready to review reports that the police had beaten some demonstrators. - PBEAHUNMBAM

Imprisoned Iranian activist slams jailers, US 'concerns'

An Iranian political prisoner has rejected US concerns for human rights — including his own imprisonment — noting the double standards in their application.

Iraqi blocs, outsiders vie to influence Basra governorship

It took Iraqis months to select a prime minister, and now a similar battle has arisen over the governor's office in embattled Basra.

Saudi Arabia gets US missile defense boost despite Khashoggi uproar

The State Department has approved a $195 million sale to upgrade Saudi Arabia’s missile defenses.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pauses during a news conference at the State Department in Washington, U.S., November 20, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas - RC1247769330

Pompeo heads to Mideast to stress 'US not going anywhere'

Despite President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will stress US commitment to the region and an anti-Iran theme on trip to Jordan, Egypt and Gulf states.

Why Iranian teachers are protesting

Iranian teachers are raising their voices to demand better conditions both for themselves and their students, and the struggle is moving forward with both protests and engagement with the authorities.

How Israeli senior officials deal with an unpredictable Trump

The decisions by President Donald Trump to pull out of the Iranian nuke agreement, and recently to exit Syria, worry Israeli senior officials.

Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh talks to journalists at the beginning of an OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria December 6, 2018. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger - RC1F5D012E50

US sanctions and the dynamics of Iran’s petroleum sector

While US sanctions are hitting Iran’s key energy sector hard, the industry remains set to advance, albeit at a slower pace and with a lower level of technology.

Iran health minister resigns over budget cuts

Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi has resigned as Iran’s minister of health over infighting regarding the budget and his treatment by the Rouhani administration.

U.S. and Turkish soldiers conduct the first-ever combined joint patrol outside Manbij, Syria, November 1, 2018. Picture taken November 1, 2018. Courtesy Arnada Jones/U.S. Army/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. - RC17C4EA11D0

Trump signals possible flexibility on pace of Syria withdrawal

President Donald Trump signaled possible flexibility in the pace of a US withdrawal from Syria, saying the United States would protect the Kurds.

Iranian Presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi speaks during a campaign meeting at the Mosalla mosque in Tehran, Iran, May 16, 2017. Picture taken May 16, 2017. TIMA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. - RC1A68E6D390

Former hard-line presidential candidate could become Iran's judiciary chief

The appointment of Sadegh Amoli Larijani as chairman of Iran’s Expediency Council has fueled speculation that conservative former presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi is poised to succeed him as judiciary chief.

Meet Iran's first ever Sunni female ambassador

The Iranian government has appointed its first ever female Sunni ambassador, reviving hopes for greater senior political representation among the marginalized religious minority.

Iranian rials, U.S. dollars and Iraqi dinars are seen at a currency exchange shop in Basra, Iraq November 3, 2018. Picture taken November 3, 2018. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani - RC1645948610

Iran pushes Iraq to maintain trade without US dollar

Iran is pushing for an agreement with the Iraqi Central Bank to maintain trade in local currencies after dollar-base trade halted following the reimposition of US sanctions.