Features

• June 29, 2026

  Skepticism In Iran Over Israel-Lebanon Framework Agreement

  Iranian state media and outlets close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps have uniformly condemned the US-brokered Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, calling it a 'document of shame' that legitimizes Israeli occupation and betrays Lebanese sovereignty.

• June 29, 2026

  Russia's Fuel Troubles Expose Central Asia's Energy Dependence

  The disruptions to Russia's energy sector due to its war with Ukraine are having a ripple effect in Central Asia, with fuel prices rising across the region and governments scrambling to find alternative sources to meet demand.

• June 28, 2026

  As Cease-Fire Brings Uneasy Calm, Iranians Wonder What Comes Next

  Some Iranians say they risked their lives in the streets and endured hunger, air strikes, and destruction, believing this was the price they were paying for freedom. Now, as the regime survives and Washington returns to negotiations, they are left asking what those sacrifices were for. 

• June 26, 2026

  Iran's Hard-Line Preachers Split Over Deal With Washington

  The debate over Iran's potential agreement with the United States has spilled beyond the country's political class and into the religious establishments and street gatherings that have long served as the Islamic republic's most loyal base of support.

• June 26, 2026

  In Viral Post, Russian Veteran Warns Putin Of Mutiny, Then Walks Back Threat

  A veteran of Russia’s war against Ukraine sparked a stir with a viral video post, demanding a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and warning of a rebellion – before retracting the threat. The episode highlighted growing tensions over a war estimated to have killed half a million Russian soldiers.

• June 26, 2026

  Iranians Struggle For Their Daily Bread As The War's Economic Costs Rise

  The doubling of bread prices in Iran is yet another indicator of the deteriorating state of the economy as ordinary Iranians describe cutting meat, skipping meals out, and struggling to buy their children toys.

• June 25, 2026

  Iran's Nuclear Deal Faces Its Toughest Test: Verification

  Amid an ongoing row between Washington and Tehran over whether international monitors can verify Iranian compliance with its nuclear nonproliferation commitments, former officials have told RFE/RL that the scale, scope, and degree of access are crucial to the success of inspections.

• June 24, 2026

  Russia Is Grappling With Its Worst Nationwide Fuel Shortages In Years. Here's Where.

  More than half of Russia’s 83 regions are struggling with gasoline shortages, due overwhelmingly to Ukrainian drone strikes. Local authorities are imposing daily limits or other restrictions. Officials are trying to ward off panic buying. It’s turning into a serious headache for the Kremlin.

• June 24, 2026

  Fire And Farewells As Ukrainians Flee Continued Russian Advance In The Donbas

  A Ukrainian photojournalist captured life near the front lines as the Russian invasion into eastern Ukraine persists despite Kyiv's successful drone strikes deep inside Russia.

• June 24, 2026

  Taliban Enforces 'Proper Hijab' With Detentions And Beatings Of Women

  The Taliban’s morality police have intensified the enforcement of the hijab, or Islamic head scarf, in western Afghanistan. In the city of Herat, women told RFE/RL that the Taliban routinely stops and inspects women in the streets.

• June 24, 2026

  Raver, Monk, Millionaire: The Shape-Shifting Russian At The Heart Of A Hockey Arena Deal

  A star of the rave scene in post-Soviet St. Petersburg, Gavriil Frolov dropped out of sight, adopted a new name, and became a monk. Now, he’s at the center of a deal that handed a billion-dollar ice hockey arena in Putin’s hometown to the Russian gas giant Gazprom, RFE/RL has found.

• June 23, 2026

  Wider Europe Briefing: Ireland's EU Presidency Puts Enlargement Back In Focus

  In this week's briefing, RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak drills down on one issue: EU enlargement as Ireland takes over the EU presidency.

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