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Iran

November 9, 2026

Tehran 12:49 am

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People vote on Election Day during the midterm elections

Analysis

From sanctions relief to deterrence: How Iran reads US elections

Iran's negotiators now view US elections through the lens of political pressure and the costs of conflict, while even Javad Zarif frames diplomacy as part of deterrence.

Jamshid Jamshidi

By Jamshid Jamshidi

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.

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

Iranian women win big in fight over right to watch soccer games

Iranian women were allowed into Azadi stadium to watch a soccer game alongside men for the first time since the 1979 revolution.

Iran preps for sanctions by expanding major port project

Iran has long sought to develop the port of Chabahar, but its plans have recently expanded to building a major industrial center.

Iranian activists' call for talks with US met with bipartisan fire and fury

A statement signed by 100 Iranian activists calling for direct talks with the United States has been shot down by conservatives and Reformists alike.

Kurdish rebels move to gain US support for operations against Iran

Buoyed by an apparent resurgence in interest in Kurdish rebel groups in Washington, Iranian Kurdish rebel leaders appear to be maneuvering to gain support from the United States as Washington moves to confront the Islamic Republic.

Iran scores PR win in intelligence wars with Israel

Israeli security sources admit that Iranian intelligence scored a point by recruiting former Minister Gonen Segev to spy against his country, but downplay his access to any sensitive information.

Legendary Iranian soccer player urges consumer boycott to root out ‘thieves’

As consumer prices continue to hit ordinary Iranians hard, a popular former soccer player is leading a consumer boycott on social media in an effort to reduce prices.

Iran denies supporting Qandil operation, fueling Turkish resentment

Pro-government analysts say Iran is trying to prevent Turkish influence in Iraq, and they accuse Tehran of “strategic shallowness,” which they say it will come to regret.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 14: Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Wladimir Putin of Russia look on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Amin Mohammad Jamali/Getty Images)

Iran may become third wheel in Saudi-Russian relationship

Saudi Arabia and Russia have been overlooking their differences, focusing instead on their mutual energy interests, but it might prove hard to ignore the elephant in the room indefinitely.

Is the GCC dead?

The Gulf Cooperation Council is broken and may not be fixable.

Iran's ex-military chief accused of squatting in former shah mansion

The former chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces has been accused of living rent-free for 25 years in a mansion belonging to the shah’s regime.

Is Rouhani all talk, no action on hints at Cabinet shake-up?

Both President Hassan Rouhani and First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri have publicly slammed underperforming government ministers, but few believe it will lead to a Cabinet shake-up.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia May 9, 2018. Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool via REUTERS - RC1F1D4F89B0

Israel's three-way deal on Iran in Syria and Russia in the G-7

Israel’s political and security echelons are intently nurturing ties and coordinating with Russia to oust Iran from Syria.