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Iran

October 21, 2026

Tehran 10:33 pm

21°C

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US sanctions law firm based in Panama, Greece over Iran shipping ties

The Treasury Department accused Karnakis and Karnakis of registering shipping companies linked to Iran's so-called shadow fleet.

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

Latest News

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

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

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

Safin HAMID / AFP via Getty Images

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

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

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

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

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran, Oman to jointly develop oil field

Iran's president is in Muscat seeking increased cooperation with Oman on energy and transportation.

Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Enrique Mora speaks to journalists in front of the Coburg palace after a meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna, Austria on Nov. 29, 2021.

Iran nuclear deal back in play after EU envoy's visit

Multiple sources in Iran say Mora left Tehran with 'more than suggestions' for a revival of the deal, while both sides may have moved on from differences.

An Iranian shops at a food store in Tehran on May 13, 2021.

Iran vows harsh crackdown on economic protests

Despite a massive security presence, many Iranian cities continue to witness rallies triggered by soaring prices, with protesters chanting slogans against the country's top leadership.

Iran babies

Khamenei warns Iranians of danger in declining birth rate

Iran’s Supreme Leader has encouraged officials to continue the work of increasing the birth rate, but that is a challenge even in economically prosperous countries.

Abdelkhah

Iran reveals identities of two detained French 'spies'

State media aired what it said was Intelligence Ministry footage of the arrest of two French citizens, accused of attempting to "instigate chaos" by inciting Iran's protesting teachers.

YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images

Cuba seeks food security help from Iranian private sector

Iran and Cuba also pledged to boost trade during a summit in Tehran.

Iranian Army office/AFP via Getty Images

Iran opens drone factory in Tajikistan

Iran is seeking to strengthen ties with its fellow Persian-speaking country and drones play a big role in the Islamic Republic’s military strategy.

Iranians work at a food store in Tehran on May 13, 2021.

Nationwide protests in Iran as food prices increase

Subsidy cuts have led to nationwide protests in Iran.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Will Iran look east if nuclear deal talks fail?

The European Union’s deputy foreign policy chief was in Tehran this week, but there are indications that Iran may be preparing backup options.

Recreational boats along the shore of the salt lake of Urmia and Shahid Kalantari causeway crossing it in Iran.

Is a water crisis brewing between Turkey and Iran?

Discord over transboundary waters and dam construction emerges as a major factor underlying the strains in Turkish-Iranian ties.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Tehran, May 12, 2022.

Iran's supreme leader warns Qatari emir about Israel

The Iranian state media coverage of the meeting made no mention of the Iran nuclear deal, which was widely speculated to have topped the agenda of the emir's visit to Tehran.

ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

Iran says it will execute Iranian-Swedish scientist

Iran’s judiciary still plans to execute Ahmad Reza Jalali, an Iranian-Swedish citizen convicted of espionage.