Iran's Assembly of Experts selects Mojtaba Khamenei as new supreme leader

Iran's Assembly of Experts has selected Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader, succeeding his father, as Sunni and Shia clerics declare allegiance during the US-Iran ceasefire and ongoing naval blockade.

Gulf war poses major threat to global fertiliser markets and food security, IFPRI warns

The ongoing Iran war is disrupting global fertiliser markets with up to 30% of global fertiliser trade passing through the Strait of Hormuz, IFPRI warns, with Africa and South Asia particularly vulnerable to food security risks.

COMMENT: Why China is hedging for now in the Middle East

As the US-Israel-Iran war enters its second month, one of the most consequential geopolitical actors has been conspicuous by its silence. China has not intervened, has not condemned, and has not chosen sides in any meaningful public way.

COMMENT: Is Iran the fourth superpower?

Iran is not a superpower in any honest reading of the term. But the Hormuz closure has rendered the "middle power" framing absurd. Tehran now occupies a tier of its own, and the diplomatic vocabulary has not yet caught up to the reality.

COMMENT: Rising pressures on Iranians in the UAE

For over a century, the geographical gap between the southern coast of Iran and the bustling ports of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was less a barrier and more a bridge

Russia expects resumption of Gulf diplomacy, Lavrov says

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow expects positive news on the resumption of diplomatic efforts around Iran, offering to mediate between the Arab Gulf monarchies and Tehran on regional security.

BREAKING: Iranian aircraft tracked heading towards Pakistan as talks set to resume

IntelliNews tracking showed two Iranian aircraft as the only flights over Iran on April 21, heading east to Pakistan as Vance arrives in Islamabad for talks and the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire expires.

Middle Corridor in play

Squeezed by a sanctioned Russia to the north and a war prone Middle East to the south, the Middle Corridor that runs through Central Asia and the Caucasus is back in play as the main route connecting Europe to Asia by land.

Trump calls for regime change in Iran ahead of negotiations

Trump has called for regime change in Iran in a Truth Social post, comparing the situation to Venezuela and complicating Pakistan-brokered ceasefire talks 48 hours before the truce expires.

Iran says US naval blockade still blocking talks, dismisses Trump claim of imminent negotiations

Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial

Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission chief has set out detailed terms for a strategic management plan for the Strait of Hormuz, including an Israeli shipping ban and tolls payable only in rials.

IMF: War Darkens Global Economic Outlook and Reshapes Policy Priorities

The Middle East conflict halted growth momentum. The right policies and stronger global cooperation are needed to contain the damage.

IMF: Middle East to see economic contractions in 2026 - Statista

Several Middle Eastern economies are expected to contract in 2026 in the wake of the war in Iran, which broke out in late February, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook, reports Statista.

Spain to formally ask EU to break Israel association agreement, Sanchez says

Spain's Pedro Sanchez has announced Madrid will formally ask the EU to suspend its association agreement with Israel at a foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, as he opens the Andalusian election campaign.

Trump threatens to strike Iranian power plants and bridges over Strait of Hormuz incident

Trump has threatened to strike every Iranian power plant and bridge after Tehran allegedly fired at French and British ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran rules out talks while the US naval blockade remains.

Iran rules out resuming US talks while naval blockade remains in place

Iran says no second round of US talks will take place while the naval blockade on Iranian ports remains in place, hardening Tehran's position as Trump claims a deal could be signed in Islamabad within days.

Iran reopens six airports as commercial aviation resumes

Iran has reopened six airports including Mehrabad, Imam Khomeini, Mashhad, Birjand, Gorgan and Zahedan as commercial aviation resumes following the ceasefire with the US and Israel.

Three charged over attempted arson attack on Iran International office in London

Three British nationals have been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after an ignited container was thrown at the London offices of Iran International broadcaster Volant Media.

Iran hardliners attack Araghchi's Hormuz tweet as 'incomplete and misleading'

Iranian hardline media have criticised Foreign Minister Araghchi for posting an incomplete tweet announcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it poor communication and demanding tighter messaging control.

Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping under ceasefire terms

Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping for the rest of the two-week ceasefire under three conditions, with Trump saying the US naval blockade will remain in force against Iran only.