Iran

Error #404: ‘Leader not found’: No one has seen Mojtaba Khamenei, so who's running Iran? - opinion

After months of silence, the Islamic Republic finally released footage of its elusive supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The clip was less than 15 seconds long, undated, and location undisclosed...

|BySOGAND FAKHERI
State media in Iran published a written message from the new leader on Thursday evening after nearly two weeks without any message or sign of him. These outlets also appear to have used image-enhancement tools to make Mojtaba Khamenei’s face look more polished
A Turkish flag waves atop the Turkish embassy as an Israeli flag is seen nearby, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 26, 2016

Israel’s Syria strategy risks turning Turkey into new Iran - opinion

Israeli security doctrine measures threats by their effect on freedom of aerial movement rather than by their political or legal character.

|ByMAJDI HALABI/THE MEDIA LINE
The Tomb of Esther and Mordechai

Outrage after Jewish custodian of tomb of Esther, Mordechai in Iran faces antisemitic abuse

An Uzbek national was filmed making antisemitic remarks to Nejad Rassad, the Jewish custodian of the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai in Hamadan, Iran.

|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
A supporter of Israel holds flags during a protest, following Hamas' biggest attack on Israel in years, in Bogota, Colombia October 9, 2023.

Israel and Colombia announce visa exemption, Trump declares 'Economic D-Day' on Iran

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs - the top stories, clear and concise.

|ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS

NATO 'strong and effective,' prepared to defend all allies, says official in Iran threat response

NATO is prepared to address any threat and will do what is necessary to defend all allies, a NATO official said in response to questions about a report that Iran weighed attacking targets in Europe.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A State Border Guard patrols near so-called dragon's teeth, pyramidal anti-tank obstacles of reinforced concrete used to impede the movement of military vehicles, are pictured in the area of Piedruja area.

UAE suspends trade, financial transactions with Iran after attacks

The decision follows a spate of attacks on UAE-owned tankers and Tehran's rejection of talks with the US.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
Iranian-made Zolfaghar missiles are displayed at Azadi Square in Tehran on August 2, 2026. US President Donald Trump said on August 1 that the United States and Israel had agreed to hold off on new strikes on Iran -- provided that a deal to end the months-long conflict is reached rapidly.

South Korea FM says Trump appears to be pressuring Seoul over Iran, investment

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho said Trump's message appeared aimed at pressuring Seoul on several issues, signaling North Korea, and breaking the stalemate in the Iran war.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
US President Donald Trump (L) and South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung take their position for a family photo with other leaders upon their arrival for a special dinner hosted in honour of US President Donald Trump and state leaders at the Hilton Gyeongju hotel in Gyeongju on October 29, 2025.

Hormuz traffic slows as uncertainty over waterway persists

Claims by US President Donald Trump that the strait was open contradict Iran's assertions that it remained shut to shipping.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
A drone view shows vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 15, 2026.

US Justice Dept. announces new charges against 17 Iran-backed hackers

The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program on Tuesday announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the location of several of the people included in the charges.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
A US Justice Department logo or seal showing Justice Department headquarters, known as "Main Justice," is seen behind the podium in the Department's headquarters briefing room before a news conference with the Attorney General in Washington, January 24, 2023.

Trump announces economic warfare against Iran, as Syria denies Israel's claims of Turkish forces

IDF targets Hamas chiefs in Gaza • IDF Gaza Division seals two Hamas tunnels spanning two kilometers along Yellow Line • IDF chief says that Israel will maintain Syria buffer zone

AUGUST 19, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
IDF SOLDIERS operating in the Gaza Strip.

Iran's attack on Kurdistan may signal new phase in Tehran's regional drone warfare - analysis

Iran’s drone strike on the Kurdistan Region may showcase new capabilities while warning Erbil and Washington that Tehran is willing to redraw regional red lines.

AUGUST 19, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq February 12, 2026.

Iraq approves three month mechanism to export crude via local, international firms

Iraq is seeking to diversify its oil export channels and maintain flexibility in marketing its crude amid the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
A worker checks an oil pipeline at Nahr Bin Umar oil field, north of Basra, Iraq March 22, 2022.

France to expel two Iranian diplomats in coming days, foreign minister says

The French ministry said last month that two French embassy staff had been detained and physically intimidated by Iranian security services in Tehran.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot arrives to attend the annual Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, France, July 14, 2026.

Huckabee urges Israel to act on settler ‘terrorism,’ warns Iran over nuclear program

Huckabee further discussed the issues of Israel's elections and the war in Gaza, emphasizing his support for Israel's right to defend itself.

AUGUST 18, 2026ByAARON GLICK, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, June 30, 2026; illustrative.