Capital of Iran and its political and economic hub
Iran has begun resuming some international flights following a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. Flights from Tehran to Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina have restarted, with plans for more routes. Iran is prioritising eastern airports for safety, while other regional countries are gradually reopening airspace amid ongoing tensions.
The United States has placed multimillion-dollar bounties on two Iran-aligned Iraqi militia leaders and paused security cooperation with Iraq as it pressures Baghdad to curb militias linked to Tehran amid ongoing regional tensions and a stalled government formation in Baghdad.
A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has been maintained, but negotiations have stalled. The US has canceled diplomatic visits, citing Iran's refusal to participate under current conditions. Iran blames US naval blockades and threats, while indirect diplomacy continues through regional mediators. The situation remains volatile with potential for escalation.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been released on heavy bail after health concerns intensified in prison. She has been transferred to Tehran for medical care, with doctors warning of further deterioration. Supporters say she must not return to prison conditions.
Iran’s leadership is consolidating amid ongoing war and sanctions. The IRGC is gaining power across military, security, and economic spheres, with the Supreme National Security Council taking a central role in negotiations with the United States. Disagreement persists over concessions, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of leverage and diplomacy.
The US has continued a naval blockade of Iran’s ports in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has maintained control over passage and is seeking alternatives. Reports show global oil prices rising and discussions about land routes via Pakistan to bypass the Strait. The situation has intensified diplomacy with regional actors and international powers weighing next steps.
Iran remains resistant to U.S. and allied pressure as talks on a ceasefire stall. Tehran continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed while pursuing internal resource mobilization and regional trade. Analysts warn of prolonged economic strain, yet Iran appears to have enough energy and food reserves to withstand the blockade for now.
The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed amid the US-Iran conflict two months in, choking 20% of global oil and gas supplies. A ceasefire is in place, but the blockade continues to disrupt energy markets and raise fears of an economic downturn. Washington is weighing further military options while Tehran maintains its stance.
Keir Starmer's handling of recent controversies has raised questions about his grip on power. Despite efforts to focus on process, internal and external doubts about his leadership are growing, with potential implications for Labour's future and upcoming elections. The situation remains fluid as pressure mounts.
The US has intensified its naval blockade against Iran, seizing an Iranian cargo ship attempting to bypass the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran condemns the action as piracy and vows retaliation. The incident occurs as the US and Iran face a fragile ceasefire and ongoing negotiations, with global oil markets reacting sharply.
The Interior Ministry has revoked Bahraini citizenship from 69 people, all of non-Bahraini origin, accusing them of supporting hostile Iranian acts and colluding with foreign entities. Rights groups say the move risks targeting Shia minorities and families, while officials defend it as a sovereign security measure tied to ongoing regional tensions.
Drones have approached the Green Zone in Baghdad, triggering air-defence responses. The drone escaped after fire was opened; no immediate damage or casualties have been reported. The episode follows a string of recent attacks around the Green Zone as tensions over Iran-backed groups remain high.
The White House has laid out its rationale as the 60-day War Powers deadline approaches, arguing a ceasefire with Iran effectively stops the clock. Democrats and some Republicans are pushing for a wind-down or congressional authorization, while lawmakers brace for a possible battleground on Capitol Hill ahead of midterm elections.
Iran has delivered a written response to a U.S. peace proposal via Pakistani mediators and is calling for an end to fighting across the region, lifting of sanctions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has rejected Iran’s terms as "totally unacceptable," and clashes and maritime incidents are continuing to push oil prices higher.
The United Nations Security Council is considering a US- and Gulf-backed draft resolution that would require Iran to halt attacks on shipping and to cooperate with a humanitarian corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. The measure, drafted under Chapter VII, could impose sanctions and potentially enable force if Tehran fails to comply. Talks are underway at the UN as a four-week truce strains amid renewed tensions.
Iran has set five trust-building conditions before entering any new round of talks with the United States, insisting on end to all fronts of conflict, sanctions relief, released assets, compensation for losses, and recognition of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Washington says Tehran’s response to a 14-point plan is still under review, with both sides pressing for guarantees amid a fragile ceasefire and regional spillovers.
The U.S. Central Command has intercepted Iranian missiles, drones and small boats during three U.S. Navy ships’ transit of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington says it has targeted Iranian facilities and eliminated inbound threats in what it calls self-defense. Iran confirms strikes on targets at Qeshm island and other sites; Tehran reports explosions and air defenses activation.
Prosecutions for hate crimes are being fast-tracked after antisemitic attacks; government warns Iran over possible links; universities and arts funding under scrutiny amid a broader plan to counter extremism. Authorities urge swift action while lawmakers call for tougher online regulation.
The United States has issued sanctions targeting IRGC-linked oil sales networks and front companies as it presses Tehran over its nuclear and regional activities. The move comes ahead of a high-stakes meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping and follows a broader push to disrupt Tehran’s oil trade and its drone program.
As of 09 May 2026, the US has said it is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal sent by Iran via Pakistani mediators while Tehran has been tempering expectations, calling the US offer a "wish list." President Trump has signalled talks are "very good" and a deal "very possible," but has also warned military action remains on the table.
Narges Mohammadi has been moved to Tehran for medical care after hospitalisation in Zanjan and is released on heavy bail, with supporters warning this is not a lasting solution while she faces a long prison term.
Iran has warned that it could enhance uranium enrichment if attacked, while negotiations with the United States remain unsettled. Tehran says talks are ongoing as global powers seek a ceasefire and restored navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed pressure from Washington and Beijing.
The US president has praised Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief for helping secure a fragile April ceasefire between Iran and the US and is not reconsidering Pakistan as a mediator. Washington remains engaged in talks with Iran, while Tehran’s latest peace offer is deemed unacceptable.
A cluster of tremors has struck eastern Tehran province, near major fault lines including the Mosha fault. Authorities and seismologists warn that Tehran’s vulnerability stems from active faults, dense urban development and limited preparedness. One quake has been reported at magnitude 4.6 with no casualties so far; experts say the situation may signal future seismic risk for the capital.
BRICS foreign ministers conference in New Delhi is ongoing as members push for reform of global governance while clashing over Israel-Gaza war, Iran-UAE tensions, and regional security. India chairs the group for 2026; no joint closing statement has emerged amid conflicting positions.
Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been released from Pars Hospital after hospitalisation in May. She is under medical supervision and will receive daily outpatient therapy rather to guard her health while avoiding a return to prison.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority is defining the Hormuz boundaries and proposing permit-based passage, a plan that would leverage the strait as a revenue source while delaying any end to the conflict. Western nations reject tolls as violations of international law and emphasize freedom of navigation, complicating negotiations.
The United States and Iran have described a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and dispose of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Negotiations are unfolding in stages, with a 60-day window for finalizing remaining nuclear terms, while broader issues are staged for later rounds.
The IAEA has sent a confidential report to member states saying its assessment of Iran's nuclear programme has not materially changed and that it remains unable to verify the current size, composition or location of enriched uranium stockpiles following U.S. and Israeli strikes. The agency is urging Tehran to restore safeguards access urgently ahead of the Board of Governors meeting.
The United States and Iran have been negotiating a memorandum of understanding that would extend the current ceasefire by 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and launch talks on Iran's nuclear programme. Officials have reported progress but key disputes remain over frozen Iranian assets, highly enriched uranium and precise sequencing of sanctions relief.
As Eid al-Adha begins, displaced Gazans, Iranians facing inflation, and West Bank families coping with displacement and violence are contending with high meat and goods prices, driving hardship and altered celebrations amid ongoing conflicts and sanctions.
Reports from Iranian state media describe a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war, with Iran managing traffic alongside Oman and while the U.S. would pull back forces. The White House has said the report is a complete fabrication. Oil markets react as talks appear uncertain amid broader conflict.
Iran has been gradually restoring internet access after an 88-day nationwide blackout tied to protests and regional conflict. While connectivity is returning, many users report slow, unstable service and continued restrictions on platforms. Prices for data and VPNs remain high as the economy endures upheaval.
President Donald Trump has confirmed he angrily confronted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent phone call over Israel's strikes in Lebanon, saying he told Netanyahu to stop. Trump has insisted the pair still have a strong relationship while US-mediated talks with Iran are continuing and fighting in Lebanon remains active.
Hezbollah has said it trusts Iran to press Washington to include Lebanon in any US‑Iran deal while Israel has continued strikes in southern Lebanon and Dahiyeh. US‑hosted talks between Lebanon and Israel are continuing in Washington as fighting and diplomatic manoeuvres have kept the ceasefire fragile and direct negotiations contested.
A multi-source examination shows groundwater depletion and drought are driving severe water stress in Barind, Iran, and broader regions. Governments are imposing restrictions, while civilians face shortages and migration pressures as climate impacts intensify.
The Times of Israel reports that a defamation suit against The New York Times is being considered, following a May article alleging sexual abuse by Israeli authorities in detention. Legal experts say any suit would be difficult, with US standards on defamation and potential discovery risk. Israel's government remains tight-lipped about the process.
A series of trials and court filings have laid out allegations that Iranian-backed groups have recruited individuals in Europe to target journalists connected to Iran International and other outlets. The trials describe plans to carry out violence for money, with suspects found in the UK possessing weapons and mounting surveillance operations.
Two men have been found guilty of wounding with intent in a stabbing attack on Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati in Wimbledon, London. Prosecutors say the assault was aimed at silencing a journalist and was carried out with state backing, though Tehran denies involvement. Sentencing is set for July 3.
The United States has struck Iranian coastal radar sites after four Iranian drones were believed to target regional maritime traffic. Iran has retaliated with missiles aimed at Kuwait and Bahrain, with several intercepted by U.S. forces. The conflict expands alongside Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon as indirect talks for a ceasefire stall.
The US Treasury has directed a team to assess costs of damage Iran has inflicted on Gulf allies and is considering using Iranian assets to fund repairs, a source has told Reuters and other outlets. The move has prompted protests from Iran, which has warned any seizure would be "a new internationally wrongful act."
Iran has launched missiles at Israel in retaliation for strikes on Beirut, triggering Israeli airstrikes across Iran. The exchange marks the latest escalation in a conflict linked to the US-Israel war on Iran, with attacks hitting Lebanon, Tehran, and northern Israel as political and military leaders warn of broader consequences.
Israel and Iran have exchanged strikes for the first time since an April ceasefire and then halted offensive action after intense exchanges. Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon; Israel struck military and energy sites in Iran. Both sides have warned they will resume if attacks continue.
Israel and Iran have escalated their confrontation, with Israel launching strikes on Iran and Iran replying with missiles. The exchange follows earlier attacks linked to the broader regional war, drawing in allied actors and prompting warnings of a fragile ceasefire
The latest clashes between Iran and Israel have triggered new calls for restraint as Trump urges both sides to halt fighting. Markets react to conflict signals, while diplomacy pivots around a fragile ceasefire. No casualties are reported in the immediate flare, but threats of broader escalation endure.
Missile exchanges between Yemen, Iran and Israel have intensified regional tensions. Tel Aviv’s Pride preparations continue amid a subdued mood as residents brace for further strikes. Analysts warn the conflict risks widening, with potential repercussions across the Middle East.
The United States has called off fresh strikes on Iran, while Tehran and Washington continue negotiations on a potential deal to end the conflict. Strikes earlier this week hit Iran’s steel, petrochemical, and energy sectors, contributing to economic strain and public anxiety amid near-term ceasefire fragility. Iranians describe a war-weary mood as talks persist.
Iran and Israel have traded missiles and attacks amid ongoing US-facilitated talks. A ceasefire remains in effect since April, with diplomacy continuing through back-channel channels as leaders face domestic pressure and the risk of renewed escalation.
The United States has carried out strikes on Iranian targets after a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache has gone down near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has said Iran shot the helicopter; U.S. officials and CENTCOM are investigating. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases across the Gulf and has reported civilian infrastructure damage.
Pakistan and Lebanon are expanding defense cooperation as both countries discuss regional security and the evolving Middle East conflict. The talks, held in Rawalpindi, focus on training, professional exchanges, and stronger military links, with Lebanon’s army chief acknowledging Pakistan’s forces’ operational excellence.