Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Raw hatred and soft power: Who came out ahead after the October 7 massacre? - opinion

The world is bombarded with contradictory messages, and the messengers seem more confused by the day: Iran won, the US won, Israel lost, Donald Trump caved, JD Vance took over.

 An illustrative image of the silhouettes of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to a backdrop of their respective countries' flags.
A woman walks next to a banner with a picture of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran, earlier this month.

Iran’s far-right accuses Pezeshkian, top diplomats of plotting 'soft coup' in Khamenei's absence

Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi speaks to the press as he takes part in a roundtable discussion regarding the situation in Iran at the Dutch parliament in The Hague on July 6, 2026; illustrative.

Pahlavi remains Iran’s main opposition figure, lack of US backing causing failure at regime change

A person holds a placard representing a US flag, with an image of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on a billboard in the background, on the day of a ceremony marking 40 days since Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, in Tehran, Iran, April 9, 2026.

US assesses Mojtaba Khamenei more interested in nuclear weapons than predecessor - report


Mourning Khamenei: More than a funeral, far from closure - opinion

The funeral was not just a religious occasion but a platform for Tehran to rewrite its narrative about the war and its aftermath.

Mourners wave a national flag as the gather to pay tribute to Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Grand Mosalla on the second day of funeral ceremonies in Tehran on July 5, 2026.

My Word: Middle Eastern summer stories - opinion

The Middle East never takes a break, with power struggles, hidden agendas, and dangerous alliances shaping the region’s future.

Mourners attend the funeral of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha, Qatar, July 12, 2026.

Trump expected to expand military actions against Iran as CENTCOM launches fifth day of strikes

Hamas unable to conduct terror infiltration, repeat of October 7, IDF commander tells soldiers • Dubai gov't says explosions heard in city are 'false,' despite witness reports

A man walks in front of a huge anti-US billboard referring to the death of US senator Lindsey Graham, at Valiasr Square in Tehran on July 16, 2026.

Hardliners in Tehran are running the show while the Iran's supreme leader watches - opinion

Many believe Iran is currently operating with four overlapping centers of authority – and that each is vying for supreme power.

IRGC CHIEF Ahmad Vahidi (center in black) prays with mourners for Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the second day of funeral ceremonies at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, in July 2026.

Trump says Iran 'will be defeated soon,' as US begins new wave of airstrikes on Iranian targets

Trump, Netanyahu expected to meet in US on Monday • US CENTCOM redirects vessels attempting to breach Hormuz blockade • IDF may begin withdrawal within days after Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome end

US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Prime Minister of Iraq Ali al-Zaidi in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 14, 2026.

Iran’s mystery flight to Yemen: What do we know about the planes landing in Sana'a? - explainer

The flight on Monday, which made international headlines after it prompted strikes on Sana'a, was eventually able to land in the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah International Airport.

Smoke rises following an airstrike after Yemen's defense ministry said that its armed forces had targeted the runway at Sanaa International Airport, in Sanaa, Yemen, July 13, 2026.

Iranian strikes reported across region as Trump threatens to strike power plants, bridges

US carries out fresh round of strikes in Iran • CENTCOM reinstates blockade in Strait of Hormuz • Trump requests Israel to pull out of Syria, Lebanon

A US Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jet is refueled over the Middle East, July 12, 2026.

Iranian officials spend Khamenei funeral week meeting with Hezbollah, Hamas officials

Muhammad Fneish, a US-sanctioned politician for Hezbollah, met with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on July 4 and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on July 5.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart following a meeting in Baghdad on June 28, 2026; illustrative

Iran no longer attaches importance to Trump's threats, Middle East expert claims

“They understand, as we do, who Trump is, that nothing he says should be taken seriously in any case and under any circumstances," Zisser explained.

Islamic Republic of Iran and the Middle East and Central Asia as seen on a vintage globe, November 14, 2024

Houthis target Abha airport after Saudi strike while Trump, Iran clash over Hormuz management

US seeks Iranian pledge to free up Hormuz • Iranian official brags of tripled drone capacity • IDF coordinating with US military in preparation for possible strikes

Smoke seen rising from Sana'a International Airport following Saudi strikes on July 13, 2026.