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A Correspondent In Tehran

A Correspondent In Tehran

Al Monitor

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Iran's Khamenei cautiously leaves door open for diplomacy with Trump

Iran's Khamenei cautiously leaves door open for diplomacy with Trump

In his latest statements, Ali Khamenei did not rule out talks with the United States, marking a shift from his uncompromising anti-US approach in...

29.01.2025 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

As Trump returns, Iran's IRGC steps up Hormuz military drills: What to know

As Trump returns, Iran's IRGC steps up Hormuz military drills: What to know

Iran's influential hard-liners have long argued that closure of the oil-strategic strait can serve as a bargaining chip in any confrontation with...

24.01.2025 5

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

How prepared is Iran to engage with the Trump administration?

How prepared is Iran to engage with the Trump administration?

Iran's upper echelons appear to be slowly bridging their gaps over potential dialogue with the new US administration, as the threat of the crippling...

22.01.2025 4

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran-Russia deal signed: Does it secure Tehran's geopolitical interests?

Iran-Russia deal signed: Does it secure Tehran's geopolitical interests?

Iran has long sought an alliance to protect it in the face of potential conflict with adversaries, but the text of the agreement falls short of...

18.01.2025 3

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran, Russia set to sign partnership deal: What we know

Iran, Russia set to sign partnership deal: What we know

While the deal has been drafted with the stated goal of reshaping the trajectory of bilateral ties, questions remain over its regional implications,...

15.01.2025 20

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

As Iran ramps up missile production, is it readying for war with Israel?

Amid its diminishing regional influence, Iran's Revolutionary Guards is setting up new missile centers to project power, aiming to deter Israeli...

11.01.2025 30

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran's Quds Force struggling for relevance 5 years after Soleimani's death

Already shaken and crisis-hit after Soleimani, the Quds Force has been commanded by a low-charisma successor and remains on a path of diminishing...

05.01.2025 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

India-Europe corridor, trade top Russian delegation talks in Iran: What we know

The visit occurs at a pivotal moment for the evolving partnership and the challenges it faces under international sanctions and scrutiny, coupled...

24.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Two months on, Iran’s ‘inevitable’ retaliation against Israel stalls, fueling frustration

The Islamic Republic is facing questions about its regional strength, and ferocious criticism from its loyalists, as it rethinks a promised...

21.12.2024 3

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran’s Araghchi in Egypt as Tehran seeks to recover from regional blows

Iran is hoping the Cairo summit will serve as an opportunity for rapprochement with Egypt and a venue to pursue its diplomatic campaign against...

18.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Despite Assad's departure, Iran sees opportunity in Syria power play

Iran's supreme leader does not appear ready to lose sight of Syria despite Assad's downfall, seeking to capitalize on the rifts within Syria's...

14.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran pursues wait-and-see approach in Syria as it copes with Assad's downfall

With one of its key regional allies gone, the Iranian establishment is anxiously reviewing its policy in an uncertain Syrian landscape.

11.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

How Iran is coping with downfall of ally Assad in Syria

With one of its key regional allies gone, the Iranian establishment is anxiously reviewing its policy in an uncertain Syrian landscape.

11.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran promises to do everything for Assad, but how far can it go?

Caught off guard by the recent rebel offensive in Syria, Iran is campaigning to galvanize regional political support for President Bashar al-Assad...

07.12.2024 4

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Who are Iran Quds Force officers deployed to Syria amid rebel offensive?

The team is led by a former Quds Force Syria branch commander, who Iranian media said had played a leading role in the 2016 anti-militant...

04.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Embattled in Gaza and Lebanon, can Iran defend Assad in Syria amid Aleppo offensive?

Iran is at a critical juncture amid the Sunni insurgent offensive in Syria, as it navigates the realities about its weakened ally Hezbollah and the...

30.11.2024 4

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran, Europe gamble on fresh talks in Geneva to resolve nuclear deal deadlock

The upcoming negotiations in Geneva follow a two-year hiatus in Iran's nuclear diplomacy, reviving cautious optimism regarding potential economic...

27.11.2024 3

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Is Iran's Khamenei signaling readiness for new deal as Trump threat looms large?

Iran's supreme leader appears to be exercising pragmatism and reintroducing his "heroic flexibility," as his top aide says the stalled nuclear deal...

23.11.2024 4

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran threatens 'proportionate' response as IAEA censure looms

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied pursuit of nuclear weapons. In recent months, however, the rhetoric from state media and hard-liners has...

21.11.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

As Khamenei's aide visits Lebanon, is Iran signaling de-escalation?

Ali Larijani said he delivered a "message" from Iran's supreme leader to Lebanon's prime minister amid scenarios of a potential cease-fire between...

16.11.2024 3

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran, Russia link payment networks in bid to bypass sanctions

The financial partnership connects the national payment frameworks, aiming to boost trade and tourism between the two sanctioned nations — yet key...

12.11.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

How Trump's comeback could shatter Iran president's Reformist foreign policy

Donald Trump's comeback and prospects of a renewed "maximum pressure" policy on Tehran are complicating the Iranian president's pro-engagement...

10.11.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Thousands in Israel protest sacking of defence minister

Thousands of Israelis protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissal of his defence minister, demanding the government do...

06.11.2024 3

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

As IRGC begins offensive, Iran links Sunni militant attacks to 'Israeli plot'

The Revolutionary Guards said it was successfully advancing on a Sunni insurgency in the country's restive southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan...

06.11.2024 10

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

What to make of Iran's 200% defense budget increase amid Israel tensions

The planned increase comes despite a widening deficit and record inflation rates, and after reports suggesting severe damage to Iran's air defense...

30.10.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

How Iran is shifting proxy warfare in Europe by recruiting criminal networks

Iran's growing reliance on organized local gangs may illustrate its broader plan to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape amid the perceived...

26.10.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran eyes naval drills with Saudi Arabia, Egypt amid simmering regional tensions

The planned drills come on the heels of a recent joint exercise that Iran hosted in the Indian Ocean, as Tehran seeks to counterbalance Israel and...

23.10.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

How does Sinwar's death reshape Iran's proxy war on Israel?

Sinwar's killing is seen as a major blow to the group and to Iran as well given the operational role he played within Hamas and how he closely...

19.10.2024 10

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran suspends indirect talks with US amid regional escalation

Iran's foreign minister made the announcement while touring one country after another as the region braced for further tensions amid Israeli plans...

15.10.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Nuclear option: Iran's hard-liners advocate for atomic weapons to deter Israel

Calls are growing in Iran for a review of nuclear policy and production of atomic weapons as a strategy to rein in Israel and disrupt possible...

12.10.2024 3

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

'Do not test our will,' Iran FM Araghchi warns Israel ahead of Saudi Arabia visit

Iran's foreign minister began a regional tour as Tehran prepared for a possible Israeli strike, with its Revolutionary Guard saying it had a wide...

09.10.2024 10

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran's Khamenei seeks to navigate between defiance, de-escalation after missile salvo

In his first public Friday sermon in over four years, the Iranian leader demonstrated defiance yet seemed keen to avoid further escalation by...

05.10.2024 10

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran hard-liners applaud IRGC, Khamenei amid missile attack on Israel

Iran said the strike was in retaliation for Israel's killing of Hezbollah's leader, but it has placed Tehran closer than ever to a state of all-out...

01.10.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran coal mine tragedy highlights prevalent corruption, workers' plight

Reactions from pundits, activists and ordinary Iranians focused in large part on how corruption and mismanagement has grown over the years, with...

24.09.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Top Putin aides in Iran as Russia seeks to ease concerns on Zangezur Corridor

The flurry of diplomatic visits and discussions appear to be a fresh move by Moscow to reenergize Iran-Russia bilateral ties, which have recently...

18.09.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Senior Iranian official visits Russia amid pressure over alleged missile transfers

The missile transfer allegations, coupled with looming, fresh Western sanctions, further complicated potential plans by the recently elected...

10.09.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Will Iran and Bahrain open new chapter in bilateral ties?

Iran and Bahrain are signalling rapprochement, which could be significant for the regional dynamics; yet amid deep-seated tensions and clashing...

07.09.2024 3

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

How Iran maneuvers nuclear politics with defiance and strategy

Despite mounting pressure, Iran continues expanding its nuclear activities while expressing willingness for diplomatic engagement in an effort to...

01.09.2024 10

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Is Khamenei opening door for nuclear talks as Iran FM floats revisions?

The Iranian leader signaled willingness to talk to the West about the country's nuclear program less than a week after new Foreign Minister Abbas...

28.08.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran flexes drones, missiles at key Russia arms expo

Iran seized the event as a chance to showcase its military prowess, as the region is on edge and expecting an imminent Iranian attack on Israel...

21.08.2024 8

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran hijab laws back in spotlight as police shooting leaves woman paralyzed

With her case reminiscent of the Mahsa Amini drama, the mother of two struggled against permanent paralysis amid a state-imposed media blackout and...

17.08.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

What’s behind Javad Zarif's resignation from Iran’s new government?

Zarif's sudden resignation came in response to apparent interference by the powerful hard-liners and stirred debates on the deadlock for meaningful...

13.08.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran's IRGC bolsters navy with cruise missiles amid flaring tensions

Capable of "sinking enemy destroyers," the missiles were added to the arsenal as the United States has been deploying advanced aircraft and...

10.08.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

How Iran is calibrating its promised revenge on Israel for Haniyeh killing

Iran's leadership appears torn between exacting harsh revenge to save face and exercising restraint to avoid an unpredictable and devastating cycle...

07.08.2024 20

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran's IRGC in tight spot as pressure mounts for 'bloody' revenge on Israel

Iran's influential hard-liners are pressing for an immediate "blood-for-blood" retaliation against Israel to avenge Ismail Haniyeh's killing and...

03.08.2024 3

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran vows revenge for Haniyeh killing amid questions over security failures

The attack exposed vulnerabilities in Iran's long-fought intelligence war with Israel and stirred up debates on possible Israeli infiltration...

01.08.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Even as Iran denies $500M arms deal with Armenia, foothold in Caucasus is priority

The report came as Iran has been accused of siding with Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan, while Tehran is also advancing an agenda of...

28.07.2024 7

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran summons German ambassador, furious over Islamic center closure

TEHRAN — Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned German Ambassador to Tehran Hans-Udo Muzel on Wednesday, hours after his government closed down the Iran-...

24.07.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

Iran applauds Houthis for Israel attack, yet keeps distance to avoid blame

TEHRAN —  A drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels that hit Tel Aviv, the Israeli capital, on Friday drew loud applause from Iranian...

20.07.2024 2

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran

As Azerbaijan reopens Iran embassy, normalization remains shaky

TEHRAN — The spokesman for the Iranian government, Ali Bahadori Jahromi, confirmed the reopening of the Azerbaijan Embassy in Tehran after 18...

16.07.2024 1

Al Monitor

A Correspondent In Tehran