Iran - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Iran cover image

Iran

October 23, 2026

Tehran 6:38 pm

24°C

Amir Levy/Getty Images

Analysis

How Netanyahu could attack Iran to force Israel into unity government after elections

While a strike against Iran before the Oct. 27 elections appears unlikely, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could launch one immediately afterward to pressure his rivals into joining a wartime unity government.

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

MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images

Explainer

What Iran’s threats to Hormuz internet cables mean for Gulf

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to cut crucial internet and communications routes in the region if US aggression escalates.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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.

Latest News

Analysis

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

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)

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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

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

Biden picks Robert Malley as special envoy for Iran

Malley, who currently runs the International Crisis Group in DC, will oversee Biden's efforts to rejoin the Iranian nuclear agreement.

Pentagon reassures Middle East partners on deterring Iran

The US military is signaling its show of force against Tehran may continue as the State Department explores paths toward a renewed nuclear agreement.

Intel: Progressives defend Robert Malley as Biden's possible Iran envoy

Critics accuse the former Obama official of overlooking Iran's human rights record.

Iran reaches 20% uranium enrichment

The increase in enrichment levels complicates the Biden administration's efforts to get Iran to return to compliance before reentering the Iran nuclear deal.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces reporters during his first press briefing at the State Department in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2021. (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran’s FM tweets 'reality check' to US on nuclear deal

Iran's foreign minister responded over Twitter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's comments regarding US reentry to the deal.

Iranians check a display board at a currency exchange shop in the capital Tehran, on September 29, 2020. - For Iran, struggling from sanctions imposed under Washington's policy of "maximum pressure", the US presidential race raises hope of change -- but also fears that life could get even worse. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Could humanitarian bank project advance US, Iranian interests?

The complex network of sanctions on Iran means that even exempted humanitarian transactions remain difficult, and a humanitarian bank could provide the Iranian-American community with a legitimate, closely monitored channel to conduct business as well as prevent black market activities.

The Takeaway: Timing of return to nuclear deal depends on Iran

Blinken reiterates Biden policy to return to nuclear deal, once Iran is in compliance; Israel readies its war room as possible last resort.

Iran hosts Taliban delegation to discuss US presence in Afghanistan

Both Iranian and Taliban officials criticized the United States' role in Afghanistan during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, amid peace talks in Qatar.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MAY 01: Two B-52 Bombers and two F-15 fighter jets fly over the University Medical Center on May 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The flyover was done as a salute to first responders and hospital workers in some of the hardest hit areas of the coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Biden Administration increases B-52 bombers in region as deterrent to Iran

The United States Air Force has sent a sixth sortie of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over the Middle East.

Iran’s Rouhani in tug of war with hard-liners over internet bans

The Iranian president attacked the hard-line judiciary’s move to summon his telecommunications minister over ambitious internet access improvement plans.

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - NOVEMBER 12: IDF Chief Aviv Kochavi makes a statemnent on November 12, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Israeli Air Force kills Islamic Jihad Commander, Abu Al-Ata in his home in Gaza. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)

Israeli military draws up new plans against Iran, top commander says

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi said attack plans should be "on the table" given Iran's recent violations of the nuclear accord.

Iranian-American sentenced to prison, allegedly without a trial

Iran has imprisoned a number of dual citizens of the United States and European countries on disputed charges.