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Iran

November 9, 2026

Tehran 4:40 pm

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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

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds a rally with supporters in Waukesha, Wisconsin, U.S. September 28, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst - RTSPXXP

Iranians see Trump as dangerous — but to Iran or the US?

Given the harsh rhetoric of both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton toward Iran, which candidate do Iranians prefer to be the next US president?

King Salman of Saudi Arabia (front L) is pictured with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (front R) during a family photo session at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Istanbul Summit in Istanbul, Turkey April 14, 2016. Picture taken April 14, 2016. REUTERS/Onur Coban/Pool - RTX2A4TB

Is Iran shifting its policy toward Saudi Arabia?

The increasingly tough rhetoric by the administration of President Hassan Rouhani toward Saudi Arabia may herald the beginning of a paradigm shift.

Iran's fans cheer for their team before the international soccer friendly match between Iran and Sweden at Friends Arena in Stockholm March 31, 2015. REUTERS/Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency
ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. SWEDEN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SWEDEN. NO COMMERCIAL SALES. - RTR4VN0A

Controversy erupts as soccer, religion clash in Iran

A prominent cleric is calling for the cancellation of a World Cup qualifier between Iran and South Korea because the match falls on a Shiite day of mourning.

Wind turbines are seen in Manjil, in the province of Gilan, August 7, 2013. Picture taken August 7, 2013. REUTERS/Michelle Moghtader (IRAN - Tags: ENERGY) - RTR4D5G6

Why renewable energy is booming in Iran

Unshackled from crippling nuclear-related sanctions but faced with low oil prices, Iran turns to renewable energy in preparation for the future.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif gestures as he speaks during a news conference in Riga, Latvia, June 2, 2016. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins - RTX2FB1T

Furious Zarif defends Iran's foreign policy to critic

In his first appearance since the Islamic Republic’s 10th parliament was inaugurated in May, Iran’s foreign minister lashed out at a political opponent for questioning the intentions of the country’s foreign policies.

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 22: Director Asghar Farhadi poses with his award for the Best Screenplay for the movie 'The Salesman (Forushande)' during the Palme D'Or Winner Photocall during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 22, 2016 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Celebrated abroad, Oscar-winning Iranian director comes under fire at home

Award-winning director Asghar Farhadi’s latest film to be chosen as Iran’s Oscar submission has come under fire from conservative critics at home.

The flag-draped coffin of former Israeli President Shimon Peres is carried by an honour guard at the start of his funeral ceremony at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem September 30, 2016. REUTERS/Baz Ratner TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTSQ60B

Is Peres’ peace legacy turning to ashes?

Akiva Eldar and Daoud Kuttab reflect on the legacy of former Israeli president Shimon Peres, who Eldar says offered a "bit of hope" for peace; Al-Monitor credited for breaking news on delisting of Iranian banks.

Iranian president Hassan Rouhani takes part in a press conference near the United Nations General Assembly in the Manhattan borough of New York, U.S., September 22, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson - RTSP0V5

Why Iran's hard-liners are ripping into Rouhani over NY visit

Despite the lack of buzz about potential meetings or phone calls with US officials, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has not been spared from domestic criticism following his latest trip to New York.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres talks during a presentation of his biography book in Tel Aviv in this March 21, 2006 file photo. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic/Files - RTSPRM8

Iran reacts to death of Israel’s founding father

As news of the death of Israeli founding father and prominent politician Shimon Peres broke, Iranian media outlets wasted no time in commenting on his legacy, and their various obituaries tell the story of a long and complex relationship between the two countries.

How Khamenei played his ace to sideline Ahmadinejad

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appeared to be on the verge of disobeying Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei until the ayatollah went public with his disapproval.

Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speak at their first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, U.S., September 26, 2016. Picture taken September 26, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar - RTSPO3R

Trump-Clinton debate dominates headlines in Iran

While some stayed awake in Iran to follow the first round of the US presidential debates live, others read about it in the press, which extensively covered both the event and the lively conversation sparked by the debate.

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati (R), a candidate for the upcoming vote on the Assembly of Experts, and Iran's former chief negotiator Saeed Jalili attend a conservatives election campaign gathering in Tehran February 24, 2016. The campaign gathering was titled "No to UK Meddling". REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. - RTX28EQJ

Financial watchdog worries Iranian hard-liners

Fierce criticism of engagement with the Financial Action Task Force rages on in Iran, but the government is holding firm with the support of several political heavyweights.