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Iran

April 30, 2026

Tehran 11:43 pm

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This photo obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim shows an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boat allegedly taking part in an operation to seize ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, on April 21, 2026.

Trump faces three paths ahead in Iran war as Hormuz standoff intensifies

As the Hormuz standoff intensifies, Trump must choose between military escalation, a limited diplomatic deal, or continuing a pressure campaign against Iran.

AFP via Getty Images

In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf

The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US.

QESHM ISLAND, IRAN - APRIL 28: Boats navigate the sea on April 28, 2026 on Qeshm Island, Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's latest proposal for ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz calls on the United States to end its naval blockade of Iran's ports, and sets aside questions about what to do with Iran's nuclear program. The United States has not formally responded to the latest proposal, which was delivered by Iran's foreign minister to Pakistan two days ago. (Photo by Asghar Besharati/Getty Images

US blockade tests Iran's limits, but will global pain force Trump’s hand?

President Trump is doubling down on economic warfare against Iran, betting a naval blockade and sanctions can force a nuclear deal and end the war.

Latest News

Iran-linked group claims stabbing in Jewish area in London: What to know

Local residents look on from outside a cordoned off area in the Golders Green neighborhood of north London on April 29, 2026, following the stabbing to two people nearby.

Oil surges past $120 to war-time high as Trump rejects Iran overture

A pumpjack stands idle in the Huntington Beach oil field, with port cranes visible in the distance, on April 23, 2026, in Huntington Beach, California.

Trump speaks with Netanyahu, Putin as Iran pressure campaign escalates

President Donald Trump gives a speech during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn on April 28, 2026, in Washington.

Iranian rial hits new record low as blockade, war take toll: What to know

An Iraqi money dealer counts Iranian rial banknotes bearing a portrait of the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, at an exchange office in Baghdad on Feb. 3, 2012.

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

new delhi

Iranian, Saudi officials in India as more airlines halt service amid Pakistan row

Iranian and Saudi officials headed to New Delhi in separate visits following Indian airstrikes in Pakistan that raised fears of war between the neighboring countries.

Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images

Israel warns citizens traveling to Switzerland of Eurovision protests

With the Eurovision contest set for next week, Israelis have been warned to be discreet in the streets of Basel, Switzerland.

Skyscraper in Doha, Qatar.

As Iran lashes out, Trump undecided on changing ‘Persian Gulf’ to ‘Arabian Gulf’

Trump distanced himself from a report that he would instruct the government to stop using the term "Persian Gulf."

A woman walks past a banner depicting launching missiles bearing the emblem of the Islamic Republic of Iran in central Tehran on April 15, 2024.

Iran vows ‘unrestrained’ force with new missile ahead of next round of US nuclear talks

Iran's state media said the solid-fuel, precision-guided ballistic missile, Qasem Basir, carried "a clear message" to Israel, which has "prior experience" with being hit by Iranian projectiles.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) meets with his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on May 5, 2025.

Iran’s Araghchi calls for restraint in Pakistan visit as India tensions rise

Iran’s top diplomat will travel to India later this week as regional states call for de-escalation in South Asia.

Iranians pass by the anti-American murals painted on the walls of the former embassy of the United States of America in Tehran, Iran on April 16, 2025.

Analysis

What lies ahead for Iran nuclear talks as meeting postponed, threats ratchet up?

As threats mount and talks face delays, Iran spots fresh openings — including the ouster of Mike Waltz as national security adviser.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Rubio links Iran's economic fate to nuke deal as Trump vows sanctions

The top US diplomat's comments come amid a delay in the fourth round of Oman-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran over a potential deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East at the White House on Feb. 11, 2025.

Trump's Gaza diplomacy takes back seat to Iran, Ukraine in first 100 days

Gaza is on the back burner as nuclear negotiations with Iran and talks to end the Ukraine war command the attention of President Trump and his Middle East envoy.

This handout photo made available by the Iranian Army Office on March 12, 2025 shows navy vessels taking part in a joint Iranian-Russian-Chinese military drill in the Gulf of Oman.

Iran unveils new navy ship amid regional tensions, nuclear talks

Iran has been expanding its naval fleet in recent years amid tensions with the United States and Israel, though the Islamic Republic is currently engaged in negotiations with Washington.

Heavy smoke rises at the scene of an explosion that took place a day earlier at the Shahid Rajaee port dock on April 27, 2025.

Outrage grows at Iran port explosion as IRGC rejects blame: What to know

The Revolutionary Guard distanced itself from the blast after facing accusations that the cargo contained military-grade materials linked to Iran's missile program, as criticism mounted over conflicting official accounts and the government's post-disaster response.

ALIREZA/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

US sanctions China-Iran network aiding Tehran missile program

The Trump administration is stepping up sanctions on Iran as it conducts talks over its rapidly expanding nuclear program.

RAHIM/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

New explosion hits Iranian factory after deadly port fire: What to know

Iranian officials ruled out sabotage as being behind the recent fire at the Shahid Rajaee port but have not commented on the cause of Tuesday’s blast in Isfahan.