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Iran war

Diplomacy & politics

Talks, statements, sanctions, nuclear policy, and government decisions.

340 entries, newest first; showing 31–60. Show all updates

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Monday, September 21, 20264 entries

  1. 11:22 PM in New York

    G7 ministers condemn Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, urge Iran to stop arming them

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsUnited Nations, New York, United States

    After an informal meeting at the UN in New York, G7 foreign ministers condemned "the unacceptable continued strikes" by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia, told the group to stop attacks on civilian shipping, and called on Iran to end its arming of and support for the Houthis in violation of Security Council resolutions 1747, 2140 and 2216.

    Why it matters The statement ties the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab front to global energy security and adds pressure on Tehran over a second chokepoint.

    Sources: Global Affairs Canada, Khaleej Times live updates, Al Jazeera

  2. 5:13 AM in Tehran, Sep 22

    Senior Iranian official says Hormuz could reopen within seven days if US lifts blockade

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsTehran, Iran

    A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, saying Washington must first officially announce it wants a diplomatic solution and agree a timeline; the proposal had gone to the US through mediators on Sept. 16. Another senior Iranian official told MS NOW the reports were not true.

    Why it matters It put a timeline on reopening the strait but required the US to lift its blockade first; Brent fell 2.6% to $97.73 as the report circulated.

    Sources: Jerusalem Post, CNBC, Reuters (via BOE Report), Iran International

  3. 1:43 PM in New York

    Trump called off planned US strikes on the Houthis at the last minute, NYT reports

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsWashington, United States

    The New York Times reported that Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare airstrikes on the Houthis after a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with targets approved and bombs being loaded, but changed his mind by midday Sunday. Reuters separately reported that Trump spoke on Sunday with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi, who asked for US support, without making a direct pledge.

    Why it matters Washington is staying out of the Saudi-Houthi fight on the Red Sea despite Riyadh's pleas; Britain agreed the same day to provide limited defensive refuelling instead.

    Sources: Ynet News, Khaleej Times live updates (Reuters), The Jerusalem Post, Al Jazeera, CNBC

  4. 8:17 AM in New York

    Bessent says US sanctions will shut down all Iranian airlines worldwide from Sept. 23

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsWashington, United States

    Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that "on September 23rd, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world," warning that anyone who fuels them, provides landing services or sells their tickets "will be knocked out of the dollar system." Treasury had sanctioned all remaining Iranian airlines earlier in September.

    Why it matters The threat moves enforcement onto foreign airports, fuel suppliers and ticket sellers, so the test is whether Iraq, Oman, Turkey and others keep serving Iranian carriers.

    Sources: FXStreet, Al Jazeera, Gulf News (AFP), Khaleej Times live updates (AFP), CNBC transcript

Sunday, September 20, 20262 entries

  1. 10:15 AM in New York

    Trump says he is in 'deciding mode' on Iran: 'if and when do I blow the entire nation up?'

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsWashington, D.C., United States

    Trump told Fox News he is in a 'deciding mode' and that 'very big things are going to be happening in the not-so-distant future,' framing the options as 'wiping Iran out, letting them rot economically or making a deal,' and said he would probably be open to meeting President Pezeshkian at the UN.

    Why it matters His threats and openness to a meeting set up the UN General Assembly week as a pivot point for escalation or talks.

    Source: Al Jazeera live blog

  2. 10:00 AM in Tehran

    Ghalibaf says Strait of Hormuz stays closed until US meets Iran's conditions

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsTehran, Iran

    Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told parliament there would be no return to earlier negotiations and no reopening of the Strait of Hormuz until Iran's conditions, conveyed through intermediaries, are met and US commitments under the June deal are fulfilled.

    Why it matters The statement signals Tehran is holding firm on Hormuz access as a negotiating lever, prolonging the shipping and insurance-cost pressure on tankers and keeping the Hormuz bypass routes (like Saudi's East-West pipeline) as the primary flow path for regional crude exports.

    Sources: The Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog

Saturday, September 19, 20262 entries

  1. 7:17 PM in Tehran

    Rezaei says Iran's terms sent via Qatar: end war on all fronts, free assets, lift blockade

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsTehran, Iran

    In an Al Jazeera interview, Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei said Iran had sent its conditions for ending the war to Washington through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, naming an end to the war on all fronts, the release of frozen assets and the end of the naval blockade, and was awaiting Trump's reply. He later said on X Iran had 'seven conditions' for any talks.

    Why it matters Tehran set out a public price for talks days before leaders gather at the UN, where US-Iran contacts were possible.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2), Al Jazeera live blog (3)

  2. 10:23 AM in Tehran

    Iran executes man convicted of giving Mossad information on Isfahan missile sites

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsTehran, Iran

    Iran's judiciary said Hossein Pedaran was executed for providing Israel's Mossad with information on missile sites in Isfahan province, after the Supreme Court upheld his death sentence; it did not say when he was arrested or tried.

    Why it matters Iran has stepped up espionage executions during the war, part of a wider internal security crackdown.

    Sources: Haaretz, Al Jazeera live blog, Business Recorder (AFP)

Friday, September 18, 20263 entries

  1. 11:32 PM in New York

    UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including energy sites

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsUnited Nations, New York

    In a press statement (SC/16458), Security Council members condemned in the strongest terms continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, affirmed the kingdom's right to self-defence and demanded that the Houthis immediately halt their escalation. They cited at least 125,000 people displaced across Yemen since the start of September.

    Why it matters The Houthis' naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and attacks along Yemen's Red Sea coast threaten the Saudi export route that bypasses Hormuz, adding a second chokepoint to the energy squeeze.

    Sources: CBS News, UN Security Council press statement SC/16458, Gulf Times (QNA)

  2. 7:15 PM in New York

    Trump signs law extending Iran Sanctions Act to 2031 and expanding Russia sanctions

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsWashington, D.C., United States

    Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (H.R. 5334), which extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 by five years to 2031 and adds sanctions and tariffs on Russia; the House passed it on Wednesday after Senate approval in August.

    Why it matters The law locks in core US sanctions on Iran well beyond the war, complicating any sanctions relief in a deal.

    Sources: Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2)

  3. 5:00 PM in Tehran

    Satellite Imagery Shows Iran Rapidly Rebuilding Bombed Taleghan 2 Facility at Parchin

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsParchin, Iran

    New satellite imagery reviewed by reporters shows Iran is rapidly reconstructing its Taleghan 2 facility at the Parchin military complex southeast of Tehran, a site that was targeted by Israeli strikes earlier in the war.

    Why it matters Reconstruction at a previously struck nuclear-linked facility signals Iran is moving to restore capability that Israeli and US strikes were meant to set back, raising the odds of renewed strikes on the site.

    Source: Times of Israel

Thursday, September 17, 20269 entries

  1. 11:30 PM in Jerusalem

    Netanyahu opens campaign vowing to 'bring down the Iranian regime', says Israel takes land

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsIsrael

    Launching Likud's campaign for the Oct. 27 election, Netanyahu said 'the mission must be completed; we must bring down the Iranian regime and totally destroy Hezbollah and Hamas,' and cited Israeli troops in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza as proof that 'we take land instead of giving it.'

    Why it matters Regime change in Iran and a lasting presence in Lebanon are now explicit campaign planks, hardening Israel's positions ahead of any talks.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog, The Times of Israel live blog

  2. 10:30 PM in Tehran

    Iran summons German envoy over Merz remarks and expels Swedish diplomat

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsTehran, Iran

    Iran summoned Germany's ambassador after Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Tehran to halt its 'military nuclear programme', end support for proxies and lift the Hormuz blockade. Earlier Iran gave a Swedish diplomat 48 hours to leave after Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy staff member.

    Why it matters Tehran's relations with European capitals are fraying as they align with Washington on Hormuz and the nuclear file.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2), The Times of Israel live blog

  3. 2:55 PM in New York

    US grants visas for Iran's UN General Assembly delegation, led by Pezeshkian

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsWashington, D.C.

    The State Department said a core Iranian delegation, expected to include President Masoud Pezeshkian, can attend UN General Assembly high-level week in New York, citing host-country obligations; it will be smaller than last year's and subject to travel limits and a ban on luxury purchases.

    Why it matters Allowing Iran's delegation to attend keeps open a potential diplomatic channel for direct or sidelined talks even as military and sanctions pressure continues.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2), The Times of Israel live blog

  4. 2:16 PM in New York

    US sanctions Iranian crypto exchange BitBank over Hormuz transit payments

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsWashington, D.C.

    OFAC designated BitBank, its developer Pishtaz Simorgh and three associates of financier Babak Zanjani, saying the exchange routes funds to the IRGC and processes payments for Strait of Hormuz transit under Iran's new strait authority.

    Why it matters The sanctions target the financial infrastructure behind Iran's newly created Hormuz transit-approval scheme, aiming to cut off a revenue and enforcement mechanism Iran is using to control shipping through the strait.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog, The Times of Israel live blog

  5. 1:42 PM in New York

    Trump says he faces 'big decision' on whether to 'annihilate' Iran

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsWashington, D.C.

    Trump told Axios: 'I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them or do I not? ... Anything could happen with me,' while saying Iran was in direct contact and wanted a deal and that no ships had reached Iran since the blockade was reinstated in July.

    Why it matters It raised the prospect of a return to large-scale US strikes just before the UN General Assembly.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog

  6. 1:00 PM in New York

    Russia and China veto US bid to extend UN Iran sanctions committee

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsUnited Nations, New York

    Russia and China vetoed a US draft resolution to extend the mandate of the Security Council committee overseeing sanctions on Iran, rejecting the 'snapback' of UN sanctions as invalid because the 2015 nuclear deal and resolution 2231 expired last year. Iran thanked both countries.

    Why it matters The veto leaves UN sanctions enforcement on Iran contested, pushing Washington to rely on its own sanctions.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2)

  7. 9:50 PM in Shanghai

    China privately urged Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, Reuters reports

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsBeijing, China

    China asked Iranian officials to use their influence with the Houthis to prevent disruption of energy routes it depends on, after Saudi Arabia appealed to Beijing following Houthi attacks, three Iranian sources told Reuters. Tehran replied that regional stability depends on ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.

    Why it matters Beijing, Iran's main oil customer, is quietly using its leverage as the Red Sea front threatens Gulf exports.

    Source: Al Jazeera live blog

  8. 3:30 PM in Paris

    Macron hosts Aoun and Jordan's king on support for Lebanese army before UNIFIL exit

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsParis, France

    European and Arab military chiefs met in Paris to assess the Lebanese army's needs ahead of the end of the UN peacekeeping mission, in talks opened by Emmanuel Macron with President Joseph Aoun and King Abdullah II, with a senior US military official taking part, Reuters reported. Aoun said Lebanon had chosen a state 'alone the decision-maker in matters of war and peace, with the bearing of arms exclusively in its hands.' Jordan and France also signed a defence cooperation agreement.

    Why it matters Who secures south Lebanon after UNIFIL leaves is central to any Israeli withdrawal and to Hezbollah's disarmament under the June framework.

    Sources: The Times of Israel, Euronews, Haaretz Live Blog, Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2), Al Jazeera live blog (3), The Times of Israel live blog

  9. 10:18 AM in Zurich

    UN inquiry finds 'reasonable grounds' US strikes on Iranian school were war crimes

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsGeneva, Switzerland

    The UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said there were reasonable grounds to believe US forces carried out the Feb. 28 strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school in Minab, where more than 150 people including about 120 children were killed according to Iranian officials, and on a sports complex in Lamerd, and that both were war crimes. It also found Iran's authorities committed crimes against humanity in crushing protests. The White House called the report 'unserious nonsense.'

    Why it matters The UN-mandated finding adds legal and diplomatic pressure on Washington as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly.

    Sources: The Business Standard / Reuters, Modern Diplomacy, Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2)

Wednesday, September 16, 20264 entries

  1. 6:53 PM in New York

    Trump says Iran war is 'hopefully toward the end', claims he spoke to Tehran directly

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsWashington, D.C., United States

    Trump told reporters the US is 'hopefully toward the end' of the war and that Iran is eager to make a deal; asked whether he had heard from the Iranian side, he said he had spoken with them 'directly.'

    Why it matters Iranian officials had said a day earlier they do not trust Washington and would not talk until their conditions are met.

    Sources: Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera live blog

  2. 5:15 PM in New York

    Guterres urges Middle East de-escalation as Yemen and Gulf fighting widens

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsNew York, United States

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote that 'de-escalation must be a priority,' calling for an end to actions that harm civilians, safe humanitarian operations and the full restoration of navigational rights and freedoms.

    Why it matters Continued UN pressure for de-escalation comes as oil markets and Gulf shipping remain destabilized by the conflict, keeping international diplomatic focus on ending hostilities before further tanker or infrastructure strikes occur.

    Sources: Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera live blog

  3. 4:48 PM in Muscat

    US officials met Houthi representatives in Oman, Reuters reports

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsMuscat, Oman

    US officials met Houthi representatives at the US embassy in Muscat last weekend in an Oman-arranged meeting, three sources told Reuters. The Houthis said they had no intention of attacking US vessels, remain committed to their 2025 ceasefire with the US, and would not attack commercial ships except Saudi ones.

    Why it matters The channel explains Vance's remark about direct talks and suggests Washington is trying to wall off US shipping from the Saudi-Houthi war.

    Source: Al Jazeera live blog

  4. 2:55 PM in Shanghai

    China urges US and Iran to rebuild talks as Araghchi visits Beijing

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsBeijing, China

    Hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Washington and Tehran to 'rebuild the negotiating framework' based on the Islamabad understanding and said China did not want tensions to spread to Yemen and the Red Sea. Araghchi said Iran welcomes diplomatic solutions.

    Why it matters China, the main buyer of Iranian oil, is positioning itself as a broker as US-Iran talks stay frozen.

    Sources: Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2)

Tuesday, September 15, 20263 entries

  1. 12:15 AM in New York, Sep 16

    US House passes Iran war powers resolution for third time, 220-204

    ConfirmedDiplomacy & politicsWashington, D.C., United States

    The House approved a War Powers Resolution to halt military action against Iran without congressional authorisation by 220 to 204, with seven Republicans joining Democrats, up from four in earlier votes, a day after the CBO put the war's cost at more than $38 billion.

    Why it matters Support is growing slowly, but the measure faces a near-certain veto.

    Source: Al Jazeera live blog

  2. 6:45 PM in New York

    At UN emergency meeting on Bab al-Mandeb, US accuses Iran of arming the Houthis

    OfficialDiplomacy & politicsNew York, United States

    At a Security Council meeting called by France on the Bab al-Mandeb, US diplomat Jennifer Locetta said Iran was 'the principal violator' of resolutions 2140 and 2216 by arming, funding and directing the Houthis, and called on the group to halt its advance, withdraw from seized territory and stop attacks.

    Why it matters Washington is framing the Houthi advance as an Iranian sanctions violation, but Russia and China can block council action.

    Sources: Al Jazeera live blog, Al Jazeera live blog (2)

  3. 5:00 PM in Cairo

    Sisi and Saudi crown prince stress Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea navigation in Cairo talks

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsCairo, Egypt

    Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met in Cairo and emphasized the need to secure freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid continuing Houthi attacks.

    Why it matters Coordinated Egyptian-Saudi pressure on Red Sea security could shape whether Gulf states seek an international naval coalition to respond to escalating Houthi strikes on shipping.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog

Monday, September 14, 20263 entries

  1. 2:00 AM in Tehran, Sep 15

    Iran's Rezaei rejects Trump's 'mixed signals': 'No talks until Iran's conditions are met'

    ConfirmedDiplomacy & politicsTehran, Iran

    Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei wrote on X: 'Don't get distracted by the U.S. president's mixed signals... The stakes around oil and the straits have changed. Damage control won't stop what's coming. No talks until Iran's conditions are met. Period!'

    Why it matters The rebuff came hours after Trump said the US was 'open' to engaging Iran, leaving no diplomatic track as the tanker war continued.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Business Recorder, Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera live blog

  2. 3:15 PM in New York

    US sanctions Russia's VTB Bank over Iran sanctions evasion

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsWashington, D.C., United States

    The US Treasury sanctioned Russia's state-controlled VTB Bank, which operates in Iran, for involvement in Iranian sanctions evasion and for correspondent relationships with sanctioned Iranian banks, calling it 'among the most comprehensively sanctioned financial institutions in the world.'

    Why it matters Targeting a major Russian bank over Iran sanctions evasion shows Washington widening financial pressure on the Moscow-Tehran sanctions-evasion network that helps fund Iran's war effort.

    Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera live blog, The Times of Israel live blog

  3. 12:03 PM in New York

    Trump says US is 'open' to engaging Iran, which he says wants a deal

    ReportedDiplomacy & politicsWashington, United States

    Trump wrote that 'the failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly. I will determine whether or not the U.S.A. will choose to engage – The concept of which we are open to.' He added that countries that did not help restore oil flows through Hormuz 'should and will reimburse the United States.'

    Why it matters It was a shift from Trump's earlier dismissals of talks; Iran's security chief rejected the 'mixed signals' hours later.

    Sources: Times of Israel, RFE/RL via GlobalSecurity.org, Times of Israel (2), Al Jazeera live blog

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