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Iran

September 17, 2026

Tehran 10:20 pm

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China presses Iran, US to reopen Hormuz as disruptions threaten oil supply

Conflicts in the region are disrupting two key routes for oil bound for China, with Iranian crude affected by the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi shipments facing growing risks in the Red Sea.

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities, brandish their weapons during a rally to recruit more fighters, in Sanaa on September 10, 2026. The country relapsed into war in July after years of calm, drawn into the regional conflict triggered by the US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began at the end of February. (Photo by Mohammed HUWAIS / AFP via Getty Images)

Exclusive

Lacking deterrence, Israel’s security establishment opposes attacks on Houthis

Senior Israeli intelligence sources told Al-Monitor that Israel seeks to avoid involvement in the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, despite concerns that Yemen could further unravel and that Iran is backing the group.

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

Houthi fighters marching

Analysis

How far will Iran push Houthis against Saudi Arabia amid raging conflict?

As Iran-backed Houthis broaden attacks on Saudi Arabia, Tehran's delicate calculation is exploiting the current conflict without being dragged into an escalation of its own making.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Analysis

Why Saudi Arabia's balancing act with US, Iran, Houthis risks collapse

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities shout slogans during a rally to recruit more fighters, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Sept. 10, 2026.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Exclusive

Houthi top diplomat says no intention to shut down Red Sea shipping, group open to talks

Houthi

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

US hits major Russian bank VTB with Iran-linked sanctions

VTB Bank in Moscow

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

ATTENTION EDITORS - VISUAL COVERAGE OF SCENES OF INJURY OR DEATH

People carry a wounded woman after an accidental explosion caused by leftover ordnance at Bustan al-Diwan, in old Homs City, May 10, 2014. Hundreds of residents return to Homs, after rebels left the city. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri (SYRIA - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT CIVIL UNREST TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) TEMPLATE OUT - RTR3OKXD

What can we learn from Homs?

Given the collapse of the Geneva process, and the Syrian government’s staying power, localized cease-fires may be the latest trend in the conflict.

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice (L) and Israel's President Shimon Peres speak before their meeting in Jerusalem May 7, 2014. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR3O62A

Israel makes its case on Iranian enrichment

Israel is making its case to US officials to allow Iran only the most minimal nuclear enrichment in the context of negotiations of a comprehensive nuclear agreement.

Iranian nominee for intelligence minister, Ghlamhossin Mohseni Ejei (below) speaks to lawmakers as parliament speaker Gholamali Haddadadel looks on in Iranian parliament in Tehran August 22, 2005. Ahmadinejad on Sunday recommended his chosen cabinet to potentially hostile parliamentarians who must approve his selections. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi RH/TW - RTRL9BK

Iran’s top prosecutor calls for revisions in use of death penalty

Iran’s top prosecutor recommends reconsidering the cases of smaller drug offenders to address the high level of executions in the country.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R), Turkey's President Abdullah Gul (L), Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (C), his wife Emine Erdogan pray with Head of Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate Mehmet Gormez during the opening ceremony of Marmaray, a subway links Europe with Asia some 60 metres below the Bosphorus Strait, in Istanbul October 29, 2013. Turkey opened the world's first underwater rail link between two continents on Tuesday, connecting Asia and Europe and allowing PM Erdogan to realise a project

Who speaks for Islam in Turkey?

Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate is under scrutiny.

Iran news publications suspended over bail reports

The Reformist newspaper Ghanoon and conservative news site Dana have both been suspended by the Tehran judiciary, likely for reporting on the enormous bail set for a government official.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Iran's Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi speaks with foreign and local media at a news conference in Tehran January 11, 2011. Iran warned neighbouring countries not to help its arch-foe Israel, one day after announcing it had rounded up a spy ring linked to Israel which it said had assassinated an Iranian nuclear scientist. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: CRIME

Iran’s former intelligence minister discusses clash with Ahmadinejad

Former Iranian Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi has commented on his near-firing by former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a conflict that revealed deep divisions between Iran’s conservatives.

Former IRGC commander’s comments on Syria censored

After a former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corp commented about Hezbollah and the formation of an Iranian committee to help rebuild Syria, the story was censored and the article removed.

Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki speaks to his supporters during a ceremony to announce his election platform as well as promote candidates of State of Law coalition in Kerbala, southwest of Baghdad, April 17, 2014. REUTERS/Mushtaq Muhammed (IRAQ - Tags: ELECTIONS POLITICS) - RTR3LQ81

Iran seeks Shiite consensus on next Iraqi premier

Iran would prefer that Nouri al-Maliki serve a third term as Iraqi prime minister, but will also give priority to a consensus among the Iraqi Shiite parties.

Senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk (L) and Azzam Al-Ahmed, a senior Fatah official talk during their meeting in Gaza City April 22, 2014. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) sent a delegation to Gaza on Tuesday to negotiate unity with militant group Hamas for the first time since their 2007 conflict, potentially boosting Fatah leader and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas's position. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR3M9J9

Hamas' Abu Marzouk says recognizing Israel a 'red line'

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy chairman of Hamas' political bureau, said that although it "will not recognize Israel ... Hamas will not burden the next government's success with hurdles and obstacles."

'We're Worried' conference against nuclear deal stirs backlash

Critics of the Iranian nuclear deal held a conference to voice their opposition, but many opponents ran with the theme to air concerns of their own.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

A general view of housing complexes in northwestern Tehran on a clear day February 12, 2011. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: CITYSCAPE ENVIRONMENT) - RTR2IHNH

Women realtors may lose jobs in Iran

The announcement by an Iranian realtor syndicate that women should not work in real estate is worrying female realtors.

Former Ahmadinejad minister: Ahmadinejad used to lie

Parviz Kazemi, minister for former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has revealed some tactics of the former president.