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...

 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

The Tomb of Esther and Mordechai

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

 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


Hormuz crossings rise slightly from weekend, remain in single digits, data shows

Some vessels could be passing through the strait with their transponders switched off and they are not considered in the tally.

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 18, 2026.

Turkey's Erdogan urges Trump to continue US-Iran talks, offers support in diplomatic efforts

The Turkish foreign minister seperately spoke with his Iranian counterpart in a call on Tuesday, where the two discussed efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz and continue the US-Iran ceasefire.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomes US President Donald Trump at Ankara Airport, who is paying an official visit to Turkey ahead of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7, 2026.

Kushner says US-Iran talks deepen as Washington demands Tehran abandon nuclear ambitions

Kushner said "Trump doesn't want to rush into a deal, he'll make the right deal when it's ready," in the interview.

Jared Kushner listens as US Vice President JD Vance (not pictured) speaks to members of the media in Kiryat Gat, Israel, October 21, 2025

Trump's threats put Oman's balancing act under growing pressure - analysis

This is the second time that Trump has threatened Oman. It has not appeared fazed by these threats. It knows that it has to navigate a changed regional and international landscape.

Cargo vessels remain anchored off Port Sultan Qaboos on June 20, 2026, in Muscat, Oman; illustrative

Iraqi Kurdistan emerges as a key diplomatic bridge between US and Iran - analysis

Nechirvan Barzani’s ties with Washington, Tehran and regional Kurdish actors have positioned Iraqi Kurdistan as a key diplomatic bridge.

Nechirvan Barzani, the regional president of Iraqi Kurdistan, delivers a speech after casting his ballot in Arbil, the capital of Iraqi's northern autonomous Kurdish region, on November 11, 2025.

Iran threatens to go 'fully offensive' if diplomacy with US fails as 60-day MoU period ends

"Iranian entities must be prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider region, as Iran will be ready to make decisions and take action on difficult decisions," an official said.

A car with replicas of missiles and an image of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei (R), and late Supreme Leaders Ruhollah Jomeini (L), Ali Khamenei (C) during a gathering to commemorate the death of Imam Reza on August 12, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Trump confirms IRGC backchannel, threatens to 'bomb the s***' out of Oman if it 'gets in the way'

Later on Monday, Trump told reporters that Iran won't make the deal he thinks is needed, and that Washington will not extend the MoU.

US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, August 7, 2026

Economic pressure can buy Israel time. Mistaking it for a strategy would squander it - opinion

A blockade would impose real costs on Tehran and make Israel safer. But weakening Iran is not the same as toppling the regime. It is the difference between buying time and solving the problem.

 People wave flags next to an Iranian missile on display during the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, February 10, 2025.

US-Iran talks hit new impasse as MoU's 60-day deadline expires with no deal

On Monday afternoon, Saudi news channel Al Arabiya reported that the US and Iran have agreed to extend a 60-day ceasefire.

A person holds a placard representing a US flag, with an image of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on a billboard in the background, on the day of a ceremony marking 40 days since Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, in Tehran, Iran, April 9, 2026.

Iran bars two French embassy employees from returning to Tehran following diplomatic dispute

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the two had violated the Vienna Convention, which defines the rules and privileges of diplomatic missions.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei holds a weekly press conference in Tehran on October 28, 2024.