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October 23, 2026

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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

People gather outside Iran embassy in France on June 13, 2019 to support Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and demand her release. - Sotoudeh has been sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison over a case with seven charges, but she is to only serve the longest sentence, 12 years imposed for "encouraging corruption and debauchery". She has also been convicted of espionage. Sotoudeh has also been sentenced to a total of 148 lashes for appearing in court without the hijab Islamic head covering and

Iran approves 3-day release for jailed lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh

Nasrin Sotoudeh is serving a decadeslong prison sentence on charges related to her work as a human rights defender.

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Tehran reveals underground missile base near Persian Gulf

Iran has announced it built a new subterranean missile base as tension between Washington and Tehran escalates.

DESSAU, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 23: An employee holds an ampoule into which the vaccine is later filled as German Health Minister Jens Spahn tours the lab facilities of vaccine maker IDT Biologika during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic on November 23, 2020 in Dessau, Germany. IDT Biologika is currently conducting human trials for its potential vaccine against Covid-19. During the company visit, Spahn announced the planned purchase at least five million vaccine doses. (Photo by Hendrik Schmidt-Pool/G

Iran's supreme leader bans vaccines made in US, UK

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he had "no confidence" in the American or British-made vaccinations.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump, including Jake Angeli (C), a QAnon supporter known for his painted face and horned hat, enter the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran president: US Capitol storming shows Western democracy 'fragile'

President Hassan Rouhani also said that “those who in two weeks will have power in the White House must return America, which is a great nation, to its rightful place.”

Iran’s Rouhani demands justice for downed plane victims

Despite yearlong persistent calls from families of the victims, Iran has not yet put to public trial those who shot down the Ukrainian airliner.

An Iranian woman wearing a protective mask amid the COVID-19 pandemic, walks on a street in the capital Tehran, on December 30, 2020. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran reports first case of new COVID-19 strain

The infected individual reportedly returned from the United Kingdom recently.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: One of the control towers stands at LaGuardia Airport after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it is delaying flights into multiple airports due to staffing concerns related the government shutdown on January 25, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. After unions representing air traffic controllers, pilots, and flight attendants recently warned of a growing concern for the safety of both traveling passengers and employees due to the continued governm

Air traffic controllers in New York receive 9/11-like threat to US Capitol over Soleimani killing

A digitized voice warned via radio that an airplane would hit the US Capitol on Wednesday.

A picture obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim on January 4, 2021, shows the South Korean-flagged tanker being escorted by Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy after being seized in the Gulf. - "A Korean ship was seized in Persian Gulf waters by the Revolutionary Guard's navy and transferred to our country's ports," Fars news agency said without naming the vessel. "This tanker had a South Korea flag and was seized over oil pollution and environmental hazards," it added. (Photo by - / TASNIM NEWS

South Korean delegation heads to Iran over seized ship

Iranian forces detained the 20-member crew of a South Korean-flagged oil tanker that Iran's IRGC said had violated environmental protocols.

In this picture taken on December 25, 2020 a flag of the European Union can be seen fluttering outside the European commission headquarters in Brussels. (Photo by François WALSCHAERTS / AFP) (Photo by FRANCOIS WALSCHAERTS/AFP via Getty Images)

European Union to 'redouble efforts' to revive Iran nuclear deal

The announcement follows Iran ramping up uranium enrichment and comes in the waning days of US President Donald Trump's administration, as incoming President Joe Biden has raised the possibility of reentering the deal.

Hillary Clinton says Trump playing 'dangerous game' with Iran

The former secretary of state's warning follows other criticism of a Trump administration show of military force to dissuade Iran from potential attacks.

US announces sanctions on Iran metals industry

The latest of several recent sanctions from the Trump administration includes designations of companies based in the United Kingdom, Germany and China.

TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY LAURE BRUMONT Picture taken on May 6, 2010 shows the entrance of the world largest international police organization Interpol headquarters in Lyon, eastern France. The Interpol with 188 member countries facilates cross-border police co-operation, supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. Interpol hosted the shooting of TV series "Interpol" wich will be broadcast on French private channel TF1 on May 20,

Iran seeks Interpol red notice for Trump, US officials

The Iranian government wants President Donald Trump arrested for ordering the drone strike that killed Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.