Iran War

Analysis, updates, and background.

A Greek-flagged crude oil tanker seen off the coast of the Syrian Baniyas port refinery, along the Mediterranean Sea.
A Greek-flagged crude oil tanker seen off the coast of the Syrian Baniyas port refinery, along the Mediterranean Sea.

Why Iran Isn’t Blinking Yet

Trump’s blockade aims to force damaging shutdowns at Iranian oil fields. But Tehran has been through this before. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Keith Johnson
Conservative Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a candidate for the June 28 presidential election, addresses a rally June 26, 2024 in Tehran.
Conservative Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a candidate for the June 28 presidential election, addresses a rally June 26, 2024 in Tehran.

Iran’s Survival Is Not Victory

Tehran’s latest rhetoric is reframing its abdication as a self-respecting state. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Menahem Merhavy
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 18, 2019.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 18, 2019.

Why Are the Saudis Sitting Out the War With Iran?

A more active approach would help cement Riyadh’s regional clout. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Steven A. Cook
A digital billboard reading "End the Iran war now" in Times Square in New York City on April 30.
A digital billboard reading "End the Iran war now" in Times Square in New York City on April 30.

Iran Has All the Hallmarks of a Forever War

There is a way out of this mess—but not right away. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Will Walldorf
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr attends a ceremony in Tehran
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr attends a ceremony in Tehran

The Man Who Represents Post-Clerical Iran

The rise of Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr signals the consolidation of a new type of state.

Analysis
Menahem Merhavy
A worker turns a valve on the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline at the Shirawa oilfield in Kirkuk, Iraq, in 2004.
A worker turns a valve on the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline at the Shirawa oilfield in Kirkuk, Iraq, in 2004.

Escaping the Hormuz Trap

The 70-year history of oil transit crises suggests engineering will prove more effective than diplomacy. This article has an audio recording

Argument
John V. Bowlus

Trump’s Plans

Protesters stand on an image depicting U.S. President Donald Trump during a gathering to protest the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, seen in Ankara, Turkey, on March 1.
Protesters stand on an image depicting U.S. President Donald Trump during a gathering to protest the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, seen in Ankara, Turkey, on March 1.

The Strategic Aftershocks of Trump’s Iran War

The consequences will be felt long after the fighting ends. This article has an audio recording

Shadow Government
Philip H. Gordon, Rebecca Lissner
A police man in a hi-vis vest stands in front of a sign advertising peace talks in Islamabad.
A police man in a hi-vis vest stands in front of a sign advertising peace talks in Islamabad.

What Really Happened in Islamabad—and What Trump Is Trying Now

The president is betting economic pressure can do what bombs couldn’t.

Argument
David Ignatius
As Steve Witkoff looks on, President Donald Trump speaks during the Republican Members Issues Conference in Miami, Florida, on March 9.
As Steve Witkoff looks on, President Donald Trump speaks during the Republican Members Issues Conference in Miami, Florida, on March 9.

America’s Problem With Diplomacy Predates Trump

Witkoff and Kushner are merely the tip of the iceberg. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Emma Ashford
Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton speaks in Austin, Texas.
Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton speaks in Austin, Texas.

How Iran Hawks Are Viewing the Cease-Fire

John Bolton explains why he wishes Trump finished the job. This article has an audio recording

Insider
Ravi Agrawal

Energy Shock

A woman cycles past tractors and trucks blocking O’Connell Street in the center of the city, as protests continue for a third day against the rising cost of fuel due to the Middle East crisis, in Dublin, Ireland.
A woman cycles past tractors and trucks blocking O’Connell Street in the center of the city, as protests continue for a third day against the rising cost of fuel due to the Middle East crisis, in Dublin, Ireland.

The Iran War’s Agriculture Shock Isn’t Over Yet

Even with a cease-fire deal in place, vital energy and fertilizer flows remain trapped. This article has an audio recording

Report
Christina Lu
A man stands between two tractors, one green and one red, with tires as tall as his shoulders. A spray painted sign at the front of the red tractor says "No fuel, no food." The sky overhead is gray, and midrise buildings are visible across the street.
A man stands between two tractors, one green and one red, with tires as tall as his shoulders. A spray painted sign at the front of the red tractor says "No fuel, no food." The sky overhead is gray, and midrise buildings are visible across the street.

The Energy Crisis Won’t End Right Away (Even if the Iran War Does)

Even if the cease-fire holds, it will take months to undo the damage. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Keith Johnson
A worker loads sulfur at a storage yard on a wharf in Nanjing, China.
A worker loads sulfur at a storage yard on a wharf in Nanjing, China.

The Iran War Comes for the ‘King of Chemicals’

The conflict is wreaking havoc on an obscure sector that is more important than you’d think. This article has an audio recording

Report
Christina Lu
Two gas pumps, with "No Gas" written on them, are seen at a gas station in 1974.
Two gas pumps, with "No Gas" written on them, are seen at a gas station in 1974.

This Isn’t a 1970s Oil Shock

The Iran war has disrupted a different, more fragile global energy system. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Rabah Arezki

Iran’s Intentions

A motorist rides past models of Iranian missiles installed along the roadside at the Valiasr Square, in Tehran on March 22.
A motorist rides past models of Iranian missiles installed along the roadside at the Valiasr Square, in Tehran on March 22.

What Iran Wants From the War

Coercive bargaining returns to the Persian Gulf.

Argument
Zakiyeh Yazdanshenas
A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz.
A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran Can’t Count on Hormuz

The regime survived, but this doesn’t make it as strong as it thinks. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Bobby Ghosh
An Emirates commercial jet flies through a plume of black smoke that covers up much of the sky, with just a few windows of light peeking through.
An Emirates commercial jet flies through a plume of black smoke that covers up much of the sky, with just a few windows of light peeking through.

Iran’s Escalation Strategy Won’t Work

Tehran’s compulsive gambling has paid off in the past, but this time looks different.

Analysis
Raphael S. Cohen
A man in a black jacket and beanie walks underneath a banner with an illustration displaying a transfer of the Iranian flag between the three supreme Leaders.
A man in a black jacket and beanie walks underneath a banner with an illustration displaying a transfer of the Iranian flag between the three supreme Leaders.

Iran’s Islamic Republic 2.0 is Coming—and It Won’t Be Pretty

How Trump’s tactical victory could turn into a forever war.

Argument
David Ignatius

Military Strategy

Missiles produced by Iran's armed forces are displayed near a row of Iranian flags during commemorations to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution on Feb. 11 in Tehran.
Missiles produced by Iran's armed forces are displayed near a row of Iranian flags during commemorations to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution on Feb. 11 in Tehran.

Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Toolkit: Drones, Missiles, and Mines

A breakdown of the tools Iran has to maintain pressure on Trump.

Situation Report
Rishi Iyengar, John Haltiwanger
Officers in uniform with formal hats stand under a banner with words in Farsi and the image of an unmanned drone.
Officers in uniform with formal hats stand under a banner with words in Farsi and the image of an unmanned drone.

The Drone Attrition Trap

The Middle East conflict shows Washington hasn’t yet learned enough about cheap drones from Kyiv.

Argument
David Petraeus, Clara Kaluderovic
About half a dozen U.S. Navy sailors are seen from overhead as they work on what appear to be torpedos or missiles of some sort. The sailors wear bright red uniforms and helmets.
About half a dozen U.S. Navy sailors are seen from overhead as they work on what appear to be torpedos or missiles of some sort. The sailors wear bright red uniforms and helmets.

America’s War Machine Runs on Tungsten—and It Could Run Out

U.S. operations in Iran risk draining limited U.S. stocks. This article has an audio recording

Report
Christina Lu
A fireball rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs on March 11.
A fireball rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs on March 11.

Iran and the New Arithmetic of War

Cheap autonomous weapons are overturning the economics of combat—and teaching the United States important lessons.

Argument
Fareed Zakaria

Israel’s Approach

Trump holds stands near a lectern next to Netanyahu, who has his hand on his podium. Both men are wearing business suits and red ties. The lecterns show the U.S. presidential seal, and behind them are U.S. and Israeli flags.
Trump holds stands near a lectern next to Netanyahu, who has his hand on his podium. Both men are wearing business suits and red ties. The lecterns show the U.S. presidential seal, and behind them are U.S. and Israeli flags.

The U.S. and Israel Aren’t Fighting the Same War

It would be a mistake for Trump to defer to Netanyahu’s regime change fantasies. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Omar Shakir
Two men sit on a mattress on the floor in a corner of a bunker. The older man cradles a young woman who rests her head on his shoulder, whereas a younger man at his side simply stares.
Two men sit on a mattress on the floor in a corner of a bunker. The older man cradles a young woman who rests her head on his shoulder, whereas a younger man at his side simply stares.

Even From Their Bomb Shelters, Most Israelis Support the War on Iran

But a long campaign would be hard to sustain. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
David E. Rosenberg
Trump and Netanyahu face each other and shake hands while standing near lecterns at the front of a press briefing room. Trump is pointing at Netanyahu's face, while Netanyahu smiles at him.
Trump and Netanyahu face each other and shake hands while standing near lecterns at the front of a press briefing room. Trump is pointing at Netanyahu's face, while Netanyahu smiles at him.

Blaming Israel Lets Washington Off the Hook

Joe Kent’s resignation letter mixes fact and fiction to deleterious effect. This article has an audio recording

Shadow Government
Matthew Duss
A partial view of the Dimona nuclear research center in the southern Israeli Negev desert.
A partial view of the Dimona nuclear research center in the southern Israeli Negev desert.

The Iran War Is Eroding Israel’s Nuclear Ambiguity

Officially or not, Washington is now breaking the taboo and talking about its ally’s bombs.

Argument
Yonatan Touval

Latest Stories

Iranians drive past a billboard featuring late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed during the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, on a street in Tehran on May 5.
Iranians drive past a billboard featuring late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed during the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, on a street in Tehran on May 5.

War Handed Public Space Back to Iran’s Regime

After years of quiet encroachment by ordinary people, the Islamic Republic reclaims the urban landscape.

Argument
Saeid Golkar
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky standing in front of a a Patriot missile defense system.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky standing in front of a a Patriot missile defense system.

U.S. War in Iran Leaves Ukraine’s Air Defense in Limbo

Ukraine and its partners are holding their breath to see what’s next for Patriot air defense missile deliveries. This article has an audio recording

Report
Sam Skove
Leaders at the G-7 summit in Alberta, Canada
Leaders at the G-7 summit in Alberta, Canada

Trump’s War Exposes the Weakness of Middle Powers

Collective action by lesser powers will not shape the global order. This article has an audio recording

Argument
C. Raja Mohan
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press outside the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on April 13.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press outside the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on April 13.

Why Trump Might Come to Regret the Iran War

He hoped it would be transformational; instead, it’s just one more round in the conflict. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Aaron David Miller, Daniel C. Kurtzer
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte (left) and Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken (right) attend the Brussels European Defense Exhibition and Conference in Brussels on March 12.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte (left) and Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken (right) attend the Brussels European Defense Exhibition and Conference in Brussels on March 12.

The View From Europe

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken on Hegseth, Hormuz, and NATO.

Situation Report
John Haltiwanger, Rishi Iyengar
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken attends a press visit organized to mark the restart of activities on the research vessel Belgica, at the naval base in Zeebrugge, Belgium, on April 1.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken attends a press visit organized to mark the restart of activities on the research vessel Belgica, at the naval base in Zeebrugge, Belgium, on April 1.

‘Everything Depends on Our Attitudes’

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken on Hegseth, Hormuz, and NATO’s future.

Insider
Rishi Iyengar
Dozens of men stand in a crowd outdoors with serious expressions on their faces. Some of them hold up computer-printed posters with messages such as "Why was Ayatollah Khamenei killed? America and Israel must answer." Another sign says "Muslim world unite!"
Dozens of men stand in a crowd outdoors with serious expressions on their faces. Some of them hold up computer-printed posters with messages such as "Why was Ayatollah Khamenei killed? America and Israel must answer." Another sign says "Muslim world unite!"

An Ayatollah for the Aggrieved

For Iran’s Sunni admirers, resistance remains the appeal. This article has an audio recording

Essay
Umar Farooq
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raises a hand to accentuate a point as he addresses House lawmakers in the Rayburn Office Building on Capitol Hill.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raises a hand to accentuate a point as he addresses House lawmakers in the Rayburn Office Building on Capitol Hill.

‘Resign Immediately’: Democrats Grill Hegseth on Iran War

Congressional Democrats fought with the U.S. defense secretary over the war and military spending in a rare public hearing. This article has an audio recording

Report
Rachel Oswald
An Iranian woman sits close to a destroyed vehicle as she watches and listens to a traditional band as it performs to show solidarity with the Iranian people at Hafteh-tir Square, in Tehran on June 23, 2025.
An Iranian woman sits close to a destroyed vehicle as she watches and listens to a traditional band as it performs to show solidarity with the Iranian people at Hafteh-tir Square, in Tehran on June 23, 2025.

Iran Is More Unified Than Ever

The war has deepened Iranian officials’ connections with one another—and with the public.

Dispatch
Ali Hashem
Veterans, military family members, and supporters are detained by U.S. Capitol Police officers during an demonstration in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Washington, on April 20.
Veterans, military family members, and supporters are detained by U.S. Capitol Police officers during an demonstration in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Washington, on April 20.

What Congress Could Do to Stop the War

Republicans are declining to use their power of the purse.

Analysis
Julian E. Zelizer
Supporters look on as U.S. President Donald Trump attends a roundtable discussion at the AC Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 16.
Supporters look on as U.S. President Donald Trump attends a roundtable discussion at the AC Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 16.

The Iran War Is Tearing Trump’s Coalition Apart

MAGA is not necessarily the same thing as America First.

Analysis
Emma Ashford
U.S. Navy sailors are seen from afar, standing in a line along the edge of the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. From below, in the foreground, a hand waves a small American flag.
U.S. Navy sailors are seen from afar, standing in a line along the edge of the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. From below, in the foreground, a hand waves a small American flag.

The U.S. Shouldn’t Rule the Seas Forever

Why the United States can no longer guarantee freedom of navigation—and why it doesn’t need to. This article has an audio recording

Argument
Jennifer Kavanagh
The Ras Laffan facility, the principal site for Qatari production of liquefied natural gas, north of Doha on Feb. 6, 2017.
The Ras Laffan facility, the principal site for Qatari production of liquefied natural gas, north of Doha on Feb. 6, 2017.

The Hormuz Hit to Helium

The Iran war is choking off a critical input for chipmaking and AI infrastructure. This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Rishi Iyengar, Christina Lu
Republican Sen. Susan Collins speaks at a hearing inside the Senate Dirksen Office Building.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins speaks at a hearing inside the Senate Dirksen Office Building.

Trump’s Iran War Approaches a Fresh Legal Hurdle

Pressure will increase on congressional Republicans to vote to end the war if it surpasses the legal time limit. This article has an audio recording

Report
Rachel Oswald
A U.S. service member is seen looking out from a vessel at sea at another vessel.
A U.S. service member is seen looking out from a vessel at sea at another vessel.

An Economic War of Attrition

The U.S. and Iran have gone from lobbing missiles to inflicting pocketbook pain.

Situation Report
Rishi Iyengar, John Haltiwanger
A young boy stands in front of a white sign that says "NO WAR on children," holding a small Iranian flag and taking a photo with a smartphone. In the background, two large vertical banners display portraits of Iranian leaders against a pale sky.
A young boy stands in front of a white sign that says "NO WAR on children," holding a small Iranian flag and taking a photo with a smartphone. In the background, two large vertical banners display portraits of Iranian leaders against a pale sky.

Iran Is Calling the Shots Now

Tehran is following Ho Chi Minh’s playbook in Vietnam.  This article has an audio recording

Analysis
Michael Hirsh
Load More Stories
Loading graphics