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Iran

October 21, 2026

Tehran 11:07 am

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Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (L) and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrive to hold a press conference after a meeting in Tehran on October 19, 2026. The Russian foreign minister arrived in Iran on October 19, in his first visit since the outbreak of the Middle East war as Moscow seeks to play a mediating role. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

How Lavrov's Tehran visit tests limits of Russia's influence over Iran

As Tehran looks for an off-ramp from renewed conflict, Moscow is positioning itself as a diplomatic partner while pushing Iran to deliver on long-delayed economic deals.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Ships are anchored off the coast of Khasab in Oman's Musandam Governorate, near the Strait of Hormuz, on Oct. 2, 2026.

IRGC claims it downed US drone, set two tankers ablaze near Hormuz

Iran has stepped up attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks.

Safin HAMID / AFP via Getty Images

Iran says deal reached with Iraq to expel Kurdish separatists: What to know

Iran said an agreement was reached with Iraq to expel or hand over members of Kurdish separatist groups based in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (L) shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon his arrival in Tehran on Oct. 19, 2026.

Lavrov visits Tehran as Trump praises Russia's role on Iran: What to know

During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed Moscow’s offer to mediate between Tehran and Washington.

Latest News

Analysis

As Iran’s oil lifeline runs dry, can it outlast Trump's economic siege?

shoppers walking through the Tajrish Bazaar, a traditional market in Tehran

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Turkey turns to Iran to contain Houthis as Saudi defense commitments grow

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (L) and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holds a press conference in Tehran on November 30, 2025.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Window for diplomacy with Iran may be closing as Trump again threatens Pickaxe Mountain

US President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Oncenter Convention Center in Syracuse, New York, on Oct. 9, 2026.

Analysis

How much oil can cushion another Middle East supply shock?

A vessel transits the Gulf of Oman

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

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

Former national security adviser John Bolton.

US charges Iranian over alleged plot to kill John Bolton

This is the second high-profile case in two years where Iranian operatives allegedly sought to harm a US citizen.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian listens during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart at the Foreign Ministry headquarters, Tehran, Iran, June 23, 2022.

US renews Iran sanctions waiver for civilian nuclear activities

The waiver renewal comes as the United States and Iran consider a final text of an agreement to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart at the Foreign Ministry headquarters, Tehran, Iran, June 23, 2022.

Iran uses cryptocurrency for import order

After originally cracking down on cryptocurrencies, which have the potential to help evade sanctions, Iranian authorities later decided to authorize them for imports.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran negotiators return home, call for 'seriousness' on nuclear deal

The Iranian press has been cautiously optimistic since negotiators returned home for consultation on an agreement to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani.

Iran nuclear talks make slow progress

Wrapping up the latest round of nuclear talks in Vienna, the two sides are currently making progress — but issues remain.

ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images

'Political decisions' required to close Iran nuclear deal, says EU

Negotiators are returning to their capitals to decide on a revised "final text" following the latest Vienna talks.

Iran nuclear

Analysis

Iran’s long shadow from Vienna to Baghdad and beyond

More may be riding on the JCPOA talks than just the fate of Iran’s nuclear program.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani leaves after talks at the Coburg Palais, the venue of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna on Aug. 4, 2022.

IAEA report still key sticking point in Iran nuclear talks

Multiple sources report ‘progress’ in Vienna meetings this week.

A picture taken on February 18, 2017, shows a general view of a bridge in the Iranian city of Ahvaz during a sandstorm.

Iranian satellite to help agricultural production, disaster management

Iran experiences water issues due to inefficiency, drought and other factors, and this relates to the agricultural sector as well as sandstorms.

ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images

Iranian negotiators in Vienna as questions remain over IRGC delisting

The removal of the Revolutionary Guards from the US list of foreign terrorist organizations continues to play a central role in the debates surrounding the revival of the Iran nuclear deal.

ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images

Negotiators head to Vienna for Iran nuclear talks

An Iranian lawmaker says recent proposals have grown closer to Iran’s positions.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran vows response to US sanctions, ramps up enrichment

In response to new US sanctions, Iran has announced its capability to develop atomic weapons.