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November 9, 2026

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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

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified that Iran has met all conditions under the nuclear deal, in Vienna January 16, 2016. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque - RTX22P9I

Lobbying 2016: Iranians in America battle over US rapprochement with Tehran

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a news conference following the National Security Council and cabinet meetings at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, July 20, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RTSIXHJ

Why was Iran so quick to rally behind Erdogan?

While relations between Iran and Turkey have soured in recent years over differences primarily related to Syria, Tehran was quick to rally behind Erdogan as the Turkish president faced a coup.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida (front R) shakes hands with Iranian Economic and Finance Minister Ali Tayebnia (front L) during their signing ceremony for an investment agreement between the two countries in front of Japanese and Iranian business persons at the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo February 5, 2016. Tayebnia is here on a five-day visit to Japan. REUTERS/Toru Yamanaka/Pool - RTX25JZJ

Iran economy minister: There are positive economic signs

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s economy minister says there are signs that the economy is improving.

France v Portugal - EURO 2016 - Final - Stade de France, Paris - Saint Denis, France - 10/7/16 - France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris fails to save a goal by Portugal's Eder REUTERS/Charles Platiau TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTSH8WK

Iran state broadcaster in hot water at home, abroad over airing rights

The Iranian state broadcaster has found itself in a new dispute over broadcasting soccer games without permission, this time with Qatar’s beIN Sports and the UEFA.

People walk past a branch of Iran's Bank Mellat in Istanbul August 18, 2010. Picture taken August 18, 2010. REUTERS/Murad Sezer (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS) - RTR2HUBS

Accusations of corruption grow at Iran's Bank Mellat

Since the arrest of the head of Bank Mellat, government officials have been divulging more and more details on the scope of corruption at the bank.

The myth of no foreign investment in post-sanctions Iran

Although President Rouhani is facing mounting criticism over the underwhelming economic dividends from the nuclear deal, the reality is that foreign investment is beginning to finally trickle into Iran.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Founder and trustee of the King Faisal Foundation as well as the Chairman of the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies HRH Prince Turki Al-Faisal speaks on stage during the 2015 Concordia Summit at Grand Hyatt New York on October 2, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Concordia Summit)

Is Saudi Arabia really seeking regime change in Iran?

While Iran has strongly reacted to former Saudi spy chief Turki bin Faisal Al Saud’s appearance at the MEK’s annual conference, Iranian observers merely see the Saudi move as bringing a longstanding hidden agenda out in the open.

Customers use computers at an internet cafe in Tehran May 9, 2011. Websites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and countless others were banned shortly after the re-election of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the huge street protests that followed. Seen by the government as part of a "soft war" waged by the enemies of the Islamic Republic, social networking and picture sharing sites were a vital communication tool for the anti-Ahmadinejad opposition -- more than a year before they played a similar rol

Is Iran its own worst enemy in Twitter war with Saudi Arabia?

In response to anti-Iranian hashtags generated by Saudi Arabian Twitter users, Iranians are calling for authorities to remove the block on the social media site.

The entrance to the German branch of Bank Saderat Iran in the northern German town of Hamburg August 18, 2010. Picture taken August 18, 2010. REUTERS/Christian Charisius (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS) - RTR2HPZD

Iran judiciary: Corruption not limited to high salaries

The spokesman for Iran's judiciary announced that a total of four individuals have so far been arrested with a case involving Bank Mellat.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.
Iranian students hold up their hands as a sign of unity as they form a human chain around the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) to show their support for Iran's nuclear program in Isfahan, 450 km (280 miles) south of Tehran November 15, 2011. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY EDUCATION) - RTR2U1ID

Rouhani’s bet on nuke deal may cost him at the polls

One year out from their country's next presidential election, Iranians are wondering whether incumbent Hassan Rouhani will pay a price for striking a nuclear deal with the United States — and whether the US presidential battle will play a role.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends a funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, July 17, 2016. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis - RTSIEMM

Erdogan's crackdown on enemies just getting started after failed coup

Is the Turkish military "infested" with Gulenists? Iran expects shift in Turkey’s Syria policies after standing by Erdogan; Turkish documents detail Islamic State operations.

Iranian students hold placards during a rally at Iran's Atomic Energy Organization to mark the country's national day of nuclear technology April 9, 2007. The billboard reads: "As a local achievement, nuclear energy is a source of pride for Iran and the world of Islam". REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN) - RTR1OGOY

Iranian academics still divided over nuclear deal

As proponents of Iran's nuclear deal point to its achievements, some Iranian academics discuss their criticism of the deal with Al-Monitor.