Iran

Terrorism & Security
Despite rhetoric, Iran and US appear to be trying to restart Iran nuclear talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Salehi said that Tehran is willing to return to talks on Iran's nuclear program and that discussions have already begun about a date and location.
Iran to return drone to Obama – a pink, $4 toy version

An Iranian toymaker is hawking a toy replica of the American RQ-170 Sentinel drone that Iran downed last month. The drone is far less controversial than another US-inspired toy: Barbie.
Why Russia is planning Iran war games

Russia has reportedly ordered the military to plan war games to deal with potential spillover from a US-Iran conflict.
Terrorism & Security
Israel, US postpone missile-defense drill to avoid provoking Iran

The missile-defense drill had been trumpeted as showing US commitment to Israel's security. Some Israeli officials criticize President Obama for excessive caution in an election year.
Iran and US: Could they talk war into happening?

Analysts warn about the dangers of rhetoric as the stage appears set for a highly volatile year with both the United States and Iran preparing for elections.
China: a lifeline for Iran and its oil exports?

As Europe and the US tighten sanctions on Iran, China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil and has played down economic sanctions as an effective way to influence Tehran.
What's behind Europe's tough stance on Iran?

European powers have agreed in principle to embargo Iranian oil, the lifeblood of Iran's economy, adding to tough sanctions already in place.
Terrorism & Security
Iran nuclear talks: Tehran says it's ready, despite assassination.

Tehran said it is ready to resume Iran nuclear talks with international powers after more than a year-long break. But it has yet to formally respond to an EU request to return to the table.
Terrorism & Security
US issues direct warning to Iran: close the Strait of Hormuz, risk military action

The US reportedly used a secret channel to convey to Iran more forcefully that closing the Strait of Hormuz would provoke a military response.
How nuclear scientist's assassination will affect Tehran's strategy

In Iran's eyes, the assassination of another Iranian nuclear scientist is proof that the West's carrot-and-stick policy has become solely punitive – giving Tehran little reason to compromise.
Was Israel behind Iran nuclear scientist's assassination?

While yesterday's assassination of an Iran nuclear scientist may risk an escalation of hostilities, analysts say the calculation would make sense for Israel.
Another Iranian nuclear scientist killed: part of 'covert war'?

Tehran blamed the death of Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, a deputy director at the Natanz enrichment facility, on the US and Israel.
Backchannels
Iran sentences an American to death: the history of such 'spies' (+video)

The good news is that many Americans accused of spying in Iran are eventually released. The bad news for Amir Mirzaei Hekmati is that Iranian-Americans have it rougher.
US foes unite: Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega cozies up to Iran's Ahmadinejad

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran will be the guest of honor at the inauguration of Nicaragua's newly-reelected president, Daniel Ortega.
Q&A: What's with the war talk surrounding Iran?

Tensions over Iran’s nuclear program have escalated in recent weeks as the US and Europe ramp up sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Report: Iran fires up new uranium enrichment plant

A leading newspaper in Iran says the country has begun enriching uranium at a new underground site, ratcheting up Western concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
Global News Blog
Bomb Iran? Where Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum stand.

The two strongest Republican candidates to emerge from the Iowa caucuses, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, both are open to bombing Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Global News Blog
Iran's currency crash a blow to Ahmadinejad

The Iranian currency – the rial – has been essential in shoring up a view of Iran as strong and independent in recent years. Now it's collapsing on President Ahmadinejad's watch.
Why Iran's currency dropped to worst low in two decades

The value of Iran's currency, the rial, to the dollar fell nearly 30 percent after President Obama approved new Iran sanctions on Saturday.
Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

Iran has caused a stir with its threat this week to close down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on Iranian oil exports. Here’s why this small body of water generates so much world attention.
Backchannels
Iran's threats over Strait of Hormuz? Understandable, but not easy

Iran has issued two threats that it could close the Strait of Hormuz, reminding the world how it could spike oil prices if the US or Israel attacks. But it wouldn't be easy. 
CIA cover blown in latest spy-versus-spy with Iran

The naming of the CIA station chief in Beirut by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah is seen as part of an intensifying undercover war between the West and Iran.
Iran's bid for power in postwar Iraq

As Iraqi Prime Minister Nour al-Maliki meets President Obama in Washington, Tehran is trying to broaden its influence in Iraq by installing a heavy-hitting cleric there.
Backchannels
Video deepens mystery around ex-FBI agent Bob Levinson, a hostage in Iran

The family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, missing in Iran since 2007, confirmed today he's being held hostage and released a video provided by his captors.
Downed US drone: How Iran caught the 'beast'

Iran's apparent capture of a largely intact RQ-170 Sentinel spy drone, which was reportedly monitoring Iran's nuclear program, is a significant loss for the US.