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Iran

May 9, 2026

Tehran 1:27 pm

26°C

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China’s overland trade routes offer Iran wartime economic lifeline: What to know

Cargo rail traffic between China and Iran has reportedly surged since the US blockade began in April as Tehran seeks overland trade alternatives to help buy time.

A woman walks past a banner featuring Iran's late supreme leaders, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (L) and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (C), next to newly elected Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran on April 19, 2026.

Analysis

Why Iran's wartime behavior risks lasting rupture with Gulf states

Iran's rhetoric and policies toward Gulf states have sharply escalated, raising questions about whether years of painstaking regional rapprochement can survive mounting distrust and maritime confrontations.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Traffic passes a billboard depicting Iranian ballistic missiles in service, with text in Arabic reading "the honest [person's] promise" and in Persian "Israel is weaker than a spider's web," Valiasr Square, Tehran, April 15, 2024. ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images.

Analysis

CIA report on Iran missiles undercuts Netanyahu as war euphoria dissipates

The findings cast doubt on Israel’s wartime gains and put pressure on Netanyahu’s campaign strategy ahead of elections.

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

Getty

US strikes Iran tankers as UAE reports fresh missile, drone attacks

Strikes on Iranian tankers and fresh exchanges in the Gulf escalate tensions as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a deal proposal.

Latest News

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

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.

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

Popular Mobilization Forces

Analysis

China shores up Iran support as Trump seeks exit

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

Joyce Karam

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

Afghans Iran

Up to 5,000 Afghans fleeing to Iran daily, aid group says

The Norwegian Refugee Council said some 300,000 Afghans have crossed into Iran since the Taliban's takeover in August.

Chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami (R) delivers a speech.

The Takeaway: Iran says US must show goodwill ahead of nuclear talks

Saudi Arabian beach riles conservatives; Turkey responds to Erdogan health speculation; Arab-Israeli legislator vindicated by budget; Alexandria’s global warming worries; Egypt offers divorce counseling; Pharaoh’s honey bees still buzzing; all in less than 1,500 words!

A billboard depicting Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps navy units observing a US warship in the Gulf of Oman.

Iran's IRGC praises forces in Gulf of Oman incident

Iran claims its naval forces thwarted a US attempt to confiscate oil from an Iranian tanker, yet Washington denies the incident even occurred.

Iran minister

Iran vows to boost defenses ahead of fresh nuclear talks

The Iranian foreign minister's words for his French and German counterparts signaled a tough round of talks ahead for all parties as they were to reconvene after six months in Vienna.

Iraqi security forces take position on Nov. 7, 2021 at one of the entrances of the Green Zone in the Iraqi capital, following an overnight drone attack on the residence of Iraq's prime minister inside the zone.

Iran condemns assassination attempt on Iraqi prime minister

While many have speculated that Iran-backed militias were behind the attack, hard-line Iranian media outlets pointed the finger at the United States.

Saudi air force

US approves sale of air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia

The Biden administration says the weapons are key to Saudi Arabia's self-defense from Iran-backed drone attacks out of Yemen.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran increases enriched uranium stockpile ahead of Vienna talks

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran on the latter’s nuclear program will resume in late November after months of delay.

A young Iranian girl waving a national flag takes part in a rally outside the former US Embassy in the capital, Tehran, on Nov. 4, 2021.

Iran marks US Embassy takeover amid soaring tensions

"Death to America" was shouted by government loyalists, as the latest anniversary was held following state media reports about a "triumphant encounter" with US naval forces in the Sea of Oman.

This picture taken on June 15, 2019, shows tanker ships in the waters of the Gulf of Oman.

Iran claims it stopped US from seizing oil tanker

Iran said the US had attempted to steal an Iranian ship carrying oil but was thwarted by the Iranian military.

Iran women football

Iran's female soccer fans still can't attend games

While Iranian authorities said that spectators had been banned from recent games due to health protocols, many fans speculated the move was aimed at avoiding pressure from FIFA to allow women into stadiums.

JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images

Iran wants guarantee that US won't quit nuclear deal again

The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said that President Joe Biden must be prepared to give assurances that future administrations won't abandon a revived nuclear deal.

Demonstrators attend a demonstration organized by the Anglo-Iranian Community.

Plight of Iranian environmentalists raised at Glasgow summit

An Iranian advocacy group seized the opportunity of the UN climate change conference to highlight the plight of Iranian environmentalists facing pressure and prosecution under the Islamic Republic.