IRAN
Iranian nuclear programme, regional influence, relations with the West, internal politics and sanctions
33 articles
Mexico Explores Hosting Iran's World Cup Matches After Trump Bars Team from US
EL PAÍSSheinbaum estudia con la FIFA que Irán pueda jugar sus partidos en México
3/17/2026, 3:11:01 PM
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is in talks with FIFA about the possibility of hosting Iran's matches at the 2026 World Cup, after the Trump administration barred the Iranian national team from playing on US soil. Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with all nations and is open to serving as an alternative venue. The development highlights the political complications facing the tri-nation World Cup co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
Iran: The Foreign Policy Puzzle That Keeps Defeating Washington
RTIran: the foreign policy puzzle that keeps defeating Washington
3/16/2026, 11:04:40 PM
RT's analysis argues that Iran has long represented an intractable foreign policy challenge for successive American administrations, trapping each president in an endless geopolitical crisis. Despite decades of sanctions, diplomacy and military pressure, Washington has repeatedly failed to fundamentally alter Tehran's strategic behaviour. The piece frames Iran as a structural problem embedded in US foreign policy that no single administration has been able to resolve.
Trump Threatens NATO as US-Iran-Israel War Enters Third Week
FRANCE 24Guerre au Moyen-Orient : Trump isolé ?
3/16/2026, 7:35:57 PM
As the war between Iran, Israel and the United States enters its third week, Donald Trump has threatened NATO allies with serious consequences if they refuse to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Energy and commodity prices have surged since the conflict began. The European Union is now weighing the use of its Aspides naval mission to protect maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
Trump Scolds Allies for Refusing to Help Secure the Strait of Hormuz
FRANCE 24Trump reproche à certains pays de ne "pas vouloir s'impliquer" dans la défense du détroit d'Ormuz
3/16/2026, 6:12:00 PM
Speaking from the White House, Donald Trump publicly criticized several countries for refusing to contribute to the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Targeting France and the United Kingdom in particular, he argued that the US has been protecting these nations for forty years and that asking them to help with something "very minor" is not unreasonable. The remarks signal growing American frustration with allied burden-sharing on Middle East maritime security.
Wary allies show there's no quick fix to Trump's Iran crisis
BBC WORLD3/16/2026, 5:34:13 PM
European leaders are reluctant to assist the Trump administration in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran, fearing entanglement in a broader conflict. However, they also recognize that standing aside entirely is not a viable option, given the strategic and economic stakes involved. The standoff reflects the deep uncertainty among Washington's allies about how to navigate a crisis that has no easy resolution.
India Denies Tanker Release Linked to Hormuz Safe Passage Deal with Iran
NDTVCentre Trashes Reports Linking Release Of Tankers To Hormuz Access: Report
3/16/2026, 5:32:51 PM
The Indian government has dismissed reports claiming that Tehran is seeking the release of three oil tankers seized by India in exchange for guaranteeing safe passage to Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi firmly denied any such quid pro quo arrangement with Iran, calling the reports inaccurate. The denial comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region affecting maritime navigation and energy security.
Trump Criticizes Allies' Lack of "Enthusiasm" Over Strait of Hormuz Tensions
FRANCE 24REPLAY - Détroit d'Ormuz : Trump reproche à certains pays leur manque "d'enthousiasme"
3/16/2026, 5:20:25 PM
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized certain countries for their lack of "enthusiasm" regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping chokepoint. His remarks, directed at the press, signal growing frustration within the Trump administration over allied support amid heightened tensions in the region. French journalist Antoine Mariotti and Washington correspondent Matthieu Mabin provided analysis of the statement.
Strikes on Iran So Intense "the Sky Turned White Like Daylight," Witness Says
FRANCE 24Iran : des frappes "si intenses que le ciel était blanc, comme si c'était le jour"
3/16/2026, 5:15:51 PM
On the 17th day of the Middle East conflict, intense Israeli strikes continued to hit Iran, with a Tehran resident describing the night sky lit up "as white as day." France 24 correspondent Siavosh Ghazi reported from Tehran on the scale and ferocity of the bombardments. The strikes mark a significant escalation in the regional conflict.
Iranian Missiles Reach Netanyahu's Office and Knesset as Israel Strikes Space Facility
AL JAZEERA ARABICصواريخ إيران تبلغ مكتب نتنياهو والكنيست وإسرائيل تستهدف منشأة فضائية
3/16/2026, 5:05:05 PM
On the 17th day of the Israel-Iran war, Iranian missile shrapnel struck near the Knesset and Prime Minister Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem, marking a significant escalation. Israel retaliated by targeting an Iranian space facility. The exchange of strikes signals a sharp intensification of direct military confrontation between the two countries.
Khamenei's Aide Writes Open Letter to "Muslims of the World"
NDTV"In The Name Of God": Khamenei's Aide's Letter To "Muslims Of The World"
3/16/2026, 4:56:53 PM
Ali Larijani, a senior aide to Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has penned an open letter addressed to "Muslims of the world." The letter is characterised as a mix of theological rebuke, religious indictment and strategic political appeal. The move is widely seen as an effort by Tehran to rally Islamic solidarity amid Iran's deepening regional and international pressures.
Trump Pushes Allies to Secure the Strait of Hormuz as Oil Shock Looms
FRANCE 24Guerre au Moyen-Orient : Donald Trump veut enrôler ses alliés dans le détroit d’Ormuz
3/16/2026, 4:22:34 PM
Donald Trump is pressing allies and China to help secure oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded. Major economies began tapping their strategic petroleum reserves on Monday to head off a potential oil shock. However, the UK and Germany ruled out any NATO-led mission to restore freedom of navigation in the strait.
Scripture and Strategy: Is Netanyahu Invoking Biblical "Amalek" to Sanctify Striking Iran?
AL JAZEERA ARABICتوراة وإنجيل وسياسة.. هل يستحضر نتنياهو "عماليق" ليسبغ القداسة على ضرب إيران؟
3/16/2026, 4:13:53 PM
A political analysis programme has examined how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invoking the Torah's "Shabbat Zachor" reading and the Purim holiday to frame a potential strike on Iran in religious and moral terms. Analysts warn that this rhetoric transforms the conflict into a "moral drama" rooted in ancient scripture, which could complicate any diplomatic settlement. The use of biblical language, particularly the concept of "Amalek" as an eternal enemy, is seen as a tool to confer sacred legitimacy on military action.
UK and Germany Reject NATO Mission to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
FRANCE 24Détroit d'Ormuz : les navires envoyés seraient dans "un danger immédiat"
3/16/2026, 3:52:32 PM
The UK and Germany on Monday rejected the idea of a NATO mission to restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing back against a call by Donald Trump who had asked allies and China to help unblock the strategic waterway. The strait, through which a significant share of global oil passes, has been under threat, with ships reportedly in "immediate danger." The divergence highlights growing transatlantic tensions over burden-sharing and the role of NATO in out-of-area operations.
Iran Threatens to Strike US Companies in the Gulf Amid Escalating Regional Attacks
AL JAZEERA ARABICإيران تلوّح بضرب الشركات الأمريكية بالخليج وتواصل هجماتها على دول المنطقة
3/16/2026, 3:49:34 PM
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to strike American companies operating in Gulf states, marking a sharp new escalation in regional tensions. Iran is simultaneously continuing to target sites in the UAE and other Gulf countries. The threats signal a broadening of Iran's confrontational posture toward both US interests and its Gulf neighbours.
What Would It Actually Mean to "Secure" the Strait of Hormuz?
FRANCE 24Guerre au Moyen-Orient : que signifie "sécuriser" le détroit d'Ormuz ?
3/16/2026, 3:46:13 PM
US President Donald Trump has called on allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20% of the world's oil normally passes, after Iran effectively closed it in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes. Military historian Guillaume Lasconjarias analyses what "securing" the strait would concretely entail. The situation raises major questions about naval strategy, international law, and the global energy supply.
Strait of Hormuz: Japan, the Philippines and China Hit by the War
FRANCE 24Détroit d'Ormuz : le Japon, les Philippines et la Chine affectés par la guerre
3/16/2026, 3:45:35 PM
Following Donald Trump's threats, members of his administration confirmed on Monday, March 16, that a potential presidential visit to China could be postponed due to the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. The conflict is disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, with significant economic consequences for Japan, the Philippines, and China. The crisis is adding new strain to already tense US-China relations.
How Khamenei's Assassination Handed Power to His Son — Against His Own Wishes
YNET"עלי חמינאי אסר לבחור בבנו למנהיג העליון החדש": הדרמה מאחורי בחירת מוג'תבא
3/16/2026, 3:44:54 PM
The New York Times has revealed behind-the-scenes details of how Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran's new Supreme Leader. According to the report, Ali Khamenei had opposed his son's candidacy and supported other contenders — but his assassination tipped the balance in Mojtaba's favour. Senior official Ali Larijani reportedly delayed the formal announcement to avoid being eliminated himself, adding to the political drama surrounding the succession.
Iran: "The Americans Are Surprised by the Regime's Resilience"
FRANCE 24Iran : "Les Américains sont surpris par la résistance du régime"
3/16/2026, 3:43:56 PM
Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint through which 20% of the world's oil normally flows. President Trump has called on allies to help secure the waterway. An Iran analyst notes that the regime has proven more resilient than Washington anticipated, suggesting it had long prepared for such a confrontation.
Conflicting Reports Over Renewed Witkoff-Araghchi Contact via Text Messages
AL JAZEERA ARABIC"برسائل نصية".. أنباء عن عودة الاتصالات بين ويتكوف وعراقجي
3/16/2026, 3:15:32 PM
Conflicting reports have emerged about renewed contact between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with American sources confirming communication via text messages while an Iranian official denied it. The contradictory accounts highlight the fragile and opaque nature of US-Iran diplomatic back-channels. The development comes amid ongoing efforts to revive nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The Battle for Iran's Neighbors: Why Washington's Isolation Strategy Is Faltering
RTThe battle for Iran’s neighbors: Why Washington’s isolation strategy is faltering
3/16/2026, 2:39:00 PM
The United States is attempting to build a regional coalition against Iran by enlisting Arab states, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, but its isolation strategy is encountering significant obstacles rooted in complex regional dynamics. Neighbouring countries are reluctant to align fully with Washington, given their own economic ties, security concerns and historical relationships with Tehran. The analysis highlights that geopolitical realities in the region are far more nuanced than US policymakers appear to anticipate.
Ex-CENTCOM Chief: Accountability for Iran School Strike 'Not Important Right Now'
RTIran school strike responsibility not ‘important issue’ – ex-CENTCOM commander (VIDEO)
3/16/2026, 2:28:51 PM
Former CENTCOM commander William Fallon has downplayed the urgency of identifying who was responsible for a strike on a school in Minab, Iran, that killed over 160 schoolgirls. Fallon stated that establishing accountability for the attack is not currently an "important issue." The remarks come amid ongoing military conflict involving Iran and have drawn attention for appearing to dismiss a significant civilian casualty event.
How the Oscars Became a Global Stage for Gaza and Iran Protests
AL JAZEERA ARABICكيف تحول حفل الأوسكار الـ98 إلى منصة دولية ضد الحرب في غزة وإيران؟
3/16/2026, 2:24:08 PM
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony became a platform for political protest, as Hollywood stars from diverse backgrounds used their speeches to speak out against the war in Gaza and the situation in Iran. Several winners and presenters broke their silence on stage, turning the prestigious event into a night of international activism. The ceremony drew widespread attention for its unusually charged political atmosphere.
Dashcam Captures Terrifying Moments as Airstrikes Hit Iranian Security Complex
AL JAZEERA ARABICكاميرا سيارة توثّق لحظات رعب عاشها إيرانيون بفعل غارات ضخمة
3/16/2026, 2:09:00 PM
A dashcam video has captured terrifying scenes of a major airstrike targeting a security complex in the Iranian city of Hamadan. The footage shows a powerful explosion, flying shrapnel, and thick plumes of smoke rising amid widespread panic. The strike marks a significant escalation involving Iranian territory.
Military Expert: US Cannot Secure Strait of Hormuz Alone — A Look at Iran's Arsenal
AL JAZEERA ARABICخبير عسكري: أمريكا عاجزة عن تأمين الملاحة بمضيق هرمز وهذه ترسانة إيران
3/16/2026, 2:00:02 PM
Regional security expert and Major General Mohammed Abdel Wahed has asserted that the United States is incapable of securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz on its own. He highlighted Iran's vast naval arsenal as a decisive factor, warning that Tehran has the capability to effectively close the strategically vital waterway. The assessment underscores the growing concerns over Iran's military posture in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes.
Iran strikes UAE's key oil port and Dubai airport
BBC WORLDIran hits key UAE oil port and Dubai airport
3/16/2026, 12:43:32 PM
Iran has struck the port of Fujairah in the UAE — a critical alternative oil supply hub used when the Strait of Hormuz is blocked — as well as Dubai's international airport. The attack marks a dramatic escalation in regional tensions, threatening global energy supplies and international aviation. The strikes could have far-reaching consequences for oil markets and Gulf stability.
Who wants what from the Iran war?
BBC WORLD3/16/2026, 11:00:03 AM
A conflict involving Iran is underway, and while most parties agree it should end swiftly, there is deep disagreement over the terms of any resolution. Different actors — regional powers, Western governments and others — have sharply diverging interests in the war's outcome. The article examines who stands to gain or lose what, and what conditions each party would consider acceptable for peace.
'A new norm': Life cautiously resumes at Doha's Souq Waqif two weeks into the Iran war
BBC WORLD'A new norm': BBC visits Doha market starting to fill up again two weeks into Iran war
3/16/2026, 5:14:45 AM
Two weeks into an ongoing war involving Iran, BBC correspondent Barbara Plett Usher visits Doha's iconic Souq Waqif market, finding it beginning to return to normal activity despite continued strikes in the region. The report captures a sense of uneasy adaptation among residents and visitors, with the market's revival described as a "new norm" amid the conflict. The piece highlights how life in the Gulf is adjusting to the regional instability.
Iran taking steps to prevent anti-establishment protests, Tehran residents tell BBC
BBC WORLD3/16/2026, 4:43:43 AM
Iranian authorities have set up new security checkpoints around Tehran in what residents say is a pre-emptive effort to prevent anti-establishment protests. Locals told the BBC that people are being stopped and searched at these checkpoints across the capital. The measures reflect the government's heightened vigilance against public dissent following years of recurring protest movements.
How passenger planes keep flying during a war
BBC WORLD3/16/2026, 12:05:11 AM
Following missile strikes in the region, airspace over Iran and the Gulf has been severely restricted, forcing airlines to reroute flights and absorb higher operating costs. The disruptions highlight how modern aviation must navigate active conflict zones, balancing passenger safety with commercial pressures. Airlines are under increasing strain as the closures compound existing logistical challenges on key intercontinental routes.
Why Kharg Island is a lifeline for Iran
BBC WORLDWatch: Why Kharg Island is a lifeline for Iran
3/14/2026, 1:21:14 AM
Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, serves as Iran's primary oil export terminal and handles the vast majority of the country's crude oil shipments. BBC Security Brief analyst Mikey Kay explains why the island holds immense strategic value for Tehran, both economically and geopolitically. Any threat to Kharg Island would constitute a severe blow to Iran's economy and its ability to fund regional influence.
Iran Calls on BRICS and Global Bodies to Condemn US and Israel
RTGlobal bodies should condemn US and Israel – Iran to India
3/13/2026, 12:30:52 PM
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged India and the BRICS grouping to play a key role in condemning US and Israeli actions, calling on international bodies to uphold global stability and security. The appeal reflects Tehran's effort to rally emerging-economy blocs in its diplomatic pushback against the military pressure it faces. Iran is seeking to frame the conflict as a matter of international law and multilateral responsibility.
Iran shows the world the limits of US power
RT3/12/2026, 8:46:11 PM
RT's analysis argues that Iran's resistance to US and Israeli military pressure has exposed the limits of American global dominance. The article frames the conflict involving Iran as a potential turning point in the international order, suggesting that Washington's coercive power is no longer unchallenged. It positions Iran's stance as a signal to other nations watching the outcome of the confrontation.
What the Iran Crisis Reveals About BRICS
RTWhat the Iran crisis reveals about BRICS
3/12/2026, 6:47:59 PM
The ongoing military conflict involving Iran is putting the BRICS bloc under a stress test, exposing fault lines between member states over how to respond to the crisis. The article examines whether the grouping can present a unified front or whether divergent national interests will fracture its cohesion. The Iran crisis is thus being used as a lens to assess the geopolitical weight and internal solidarity of BRICS as a rising alternative power bloc.