Iran

• August 30, 2026

  Khamenei Calls On Muslim States To Unite Against US, Israel

  As the conflict in the Persian Gulf continues to impact and shape the region, journalists from RFE/RL's Central Newsroom and Iranian service, Radio Farda, deliver ongoing updates and analysis.

• August 29, 2026

  Bipartisan US Lawmakers Take Aim At Serbia's Vucic Over Democracy, Russia Ties

  A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has taken aim at the government of longtime Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, citing what it calls “serious setbacks” in democracy and the rule of law, as well as Belgrade’s ties with US adversaries Iran, Russia, and China.

• August 28, 2026

  As Iran Threatens Radio Farda And Other Media, US Points To Tehran's Record Of Targeting Journalists

  The US said it was aware of threats by Iran's armed forces to put Persian-language media outlets including RFE/RL's Radio Farda on a list of potential military targets, and pointed to what it said was Tehran's record of harassment and attempted attacks against journalists and dissidents abroad.

• August 28, 2026

  Iranians Say SIM Card Cutoffs Have Become A Tool To Punish Critics

  Cutting off SIM cards has emerged as one of the more effective tools available to Iranian authorities seeking to punish critics and civil society activists, with consequences that go well beyond losing phone service.

• August 28, 2026

  Six Months Into The Iran War, These 4 Issues Could Shape What's Next

  Six months after US-Israeli strikes, the Iran conflict remains unresolved. Despite military losses, Iran retains leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. Experts say key questions involve economic pressure, diplomacy, shipping, and support from Russia and China.

• August 25, 2026

  CIA Director Ratcliffe's Surprise Moscow Trip Raises Questions Over Russia, Ukraine, Iran

  CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow on August 25, US officials confirmed to RFE/RL, a rare trip that comes as Washington’s efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine have stalled and tensions over Moscow’s relationship with Iran have intensified.

• August 24, 2026

  What If China Doesn't Play Ball? US Sanctions Campaign Faces Its Biggest Test

  US sanctions experts say the Trump administration's new campaign to economically isolate Iran could be an effective escalation -- but only if Washington backs its threats with action.

• August 24, 2026

  US Launching 'Economic Onslaught' On Iran, Demands Countries Cut 'Lifelines' That Sustain Tehran

  US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new effort to ramp up the pressure on Tehran, saying the United States is "launching an economic onslaught against Iran’s financial connections around the globe."

• August 24, 2026

  Iran's Currency Plunges As Washington Readies 'Economic D-Day'

  Iran’s already battered economy is showing renewed signs of stress as Washington prepares to unveil what US officials have described as some of the toughest sanctions yet against Tehran.

• August 22, 2026

  Defiant Iranian Film Spotlights Crackdown On Female Singers

  An unauthorized Iranian film released for free on YouTube is openly challenging restrictions on women singing and Iran’s compulsory hijab rules. Bidad, or Outcry, directed by Soheil Beiraghi, was made without government OK and features Parastoo Ahmadi, a singer who was sentenced to 74 lashes.

• August 19, 2026

  Is Putin's 'Caspian Express' A New Lifeline Between Russia And Iran?

  The Caspian Sea is emerging as a potentially important logistics corridor in the expanding Russia-Iran partnership, marking a possible change in the military relationship between Moscow and Tehran as they look to move goods beyond the reach of Western naval power.

• August 19, 2026

  Crackdown On Iran's Popular YouTube Channel Could Herald More Restrictions

  Iranian authorities have moved against the popular online platform Azad, accusing it of publishing “falsehoods” and signaling what an Iranian political activist and commentator says could be a broader crackdown on independent Persian-language YouTube channels.

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