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Iran

May 8, 2026

Tehran 5:42 am

23°C

In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency on May 4, 2026, the Iran-flagged tugboat Basim sails near a ship anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.

What to know about Iran's 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' to control Hormuz traffic

The establishment of an entity seeking to control maritime transportation in the Strait of Hormuz is the latest sign that Iran wants to formalize authority in the strategic waterway.

Popular Mobilization Forces

US sets expectations for Iraq’s next PM to confront Iranian militias

The Trump administration is cautiously sizing up Iraq’s new prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, as a potential partner in pushing back on Iranian influence.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China in Beijing on May 6, 2026. Credit: Telegram

Analysis

China shores up Iran support as Trump seeks exit

China understands how badly Trump wants an exit from the conflict. But timing is critical: if no agreement is reached before Trump arrives in China on Thursday, Beijing would be better positioned to set the agenda.

Joyce Karam

An Iranian woman holds up an image of Iran's new supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Iran president says he held official meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei: What to know

The president’s announcement marks the first public confirmation of a meeting between a senior official and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the start of the war.

Latest News

Iran, China discuss Hormuz reopening amid potential US-Iran talks

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, second right, talks to his Iranian Counterpart Abbas Araghchi, left, during the bilateral meeting in Beijing, Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

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

AFP via Getty Images

Iran wants IAEA probe closed before nuclear agreement implemented

Iran’s president says Tehran wants the IAEA probe closed in what could be a sign of inching closer to a new deal.

AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Islamic Jihad looks to Hezbollah after disastrous Gaza war

Also: three dates to watch for in Iran nuclear talks.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz meets with US Central Command chief Gen. Michael Kurilla at the CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, Aug. 25, 2022.

Israel raises concerns over Iran probe as deal looms

The Biden administration told Israel that it won’t pressure the International Atomic Energy Agency to drop its investigation into Iran’s unexplained nuclear material.

Iranian Army office/AFP via Getty Images

Iran shows off homemade drones in large-scale exercise

The drill was staged amid US intelligence reports that the Islamic Republic was planning to send Russia weapons-capable combat drones to be used in its war on Ukraine.

Iran Raisi

Analysis

The Takeaway: US responds to Iran proposal but gaps remain

Israel resigned to nuclear deal; Turkey hints at normalizing ties with Syria; Islamic Jihad denies Hamas rift; Syria’s HTS purges hardliners; Egypt-China consortium for logistics project.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Andrew Parasiliti

By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti

A photo taken on March 14, 2022, shows the logos of Visa, Mastercard and Russian Mir payment systems on bank cards in Moscow.

Iran, Russia use own currencies for trade

Saudi Arabia and India have also signaled moving away from the US dollar.

JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images

Iran pushes back against IAEA claims as US responds to nuclear deal proposal

As it reviews the latest US response about returning to the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran is refuting the International Atomic Energy Agency's claims about its previous nuclear activities.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Bamako, Mali, Aug. 23, 2022, meets with Mali Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop.

Iran's FM seeks Africa ties to boost sanctions-hit economy

The Islamic Republic renewed the official line that it won't keep its battered economy waiting on the fate of the nuclear deal.

Josep Borell

EU's Borrell says Iran's response to nuclear text 'reasonable'

EU High Representative Josep Borrell said he hoped the American response would "put an end to the negotiations."

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran’s president denies making concessions in nuclear talks

As the world waits to hear the results of the nuclear talks, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has denied that his country made any major concessions.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran-Pakistan ties tighten in economic commission

Iran has been seeking better ties with the South Asian country since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his deputy and chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani, in Tehran on Aug. 16, 2022.

Iran nuclear deal: The devil remains in the details

The White House denies any concessions beyond the 2015 deal.