Articles in this Cluster
26-03-2026
The article discusses how Iran is using tactics similar to those employed by Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia to keep the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to vessels not granted explicit permission by Tehran. Despite the US having a superior naval presence, Iran is leveraging cheap, unmanned weapons like drones and missiles launched from land to deter ships from passing through the strait. The article draws parallels between Ukraine's disruption of Russian naval activity in the Black Sea and Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the effectiveness of asymmetric warfare tactics in challenging superior naval forces. The situation has significant implications for global oil prices and the economy, with Iran appearing to be winning economically despite being outgunned militarily.
Entities: Iran, Ukraine, Russia, Strait of Hormuz, Black Sea • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The article discusses how some Iranians who initially welcomed foreign intervention to topple the Islamic Republic are now feeling 'doomed' after three weeks of war between the US, Israel, and Iran. Two Iranians, Reza and Amir, share their perspectives on the situation, with Reza stating that the lack of a coordinated international plan has led to a 'rude awakening' for many Iranians. Amir echoes this sentiment, saying that those who initially supported war are now seeking a ceasefire. The article highlights the complexities of the situation, with both sides engaging in 'brinkmanship' and opposition groups in Iran lacking a viable coalition to challenge the regime.
Entities: Iran, United States, Israel, Islamic Republic, Reza • Tone: positive • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The US is sending thousands of additional soldiers to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, but analysts say this military buildup is more about coercive diplomacy than preparation for a ground war. The move is seen as an attempt to increase leverage in negotiations, with President Trump trying to pressure Iran into accepting US terms. However, the gap between what Washington and Tehran want remains wide, and the reinforcements may not be enough against an adversary that has long prepared for this fight. The conflict has significant implications for the global economy and geopolitical landscape, with potential long-term consequences.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Middle East, RAND school of public policy • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The article discusses the impact of the assassination of senior Iranian leaders on the country's regime, arguing that while it weakens Iran, it also makes the regime less predictable and potentially harder to negotiate with. The article highlights the killing of several high-ranking officials, including the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other key figures, creating a power vacuum and uncertainty about who is in control. The author suggests that the relentless assassinations may make the regime more brittle but also more difficult to bring to a negotiated end to the conflict between America, Israel, and Iran.
Entities: Iran, America, Israel, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ali Larijani • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The article discusses how the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has taken control of Iran's state and war efforts since the start of a recent war. The supposed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen or heard since his predecessor and father was killed at the outset of the war. The IRGC, a 190,000-strong paramilitary force, now appears to be running both the state and the war, with senior advisers and commanders being replaced by an opaque, decentralised web of institutions. The IRGC's control has been sealed by the war, and it is unclear who has the authority to strike a deal with America and ensure it holds. The article also touches on the implications of this development for potential talks between Iran and the US, as well as the impact on the ongoing war.
Entities: Iran, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mojtaba Khamenei, Donald Trump, America • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The article discusses Donald Trump's dwindling options in the ongoing conflict with Iran, suggesting that ending the war on current terms would be perceived as a defeat. Trump's latest actions indicate a desire to conclude the war, but he faces four unappealing choices, none of which guarantee an end to the conflict or alleviate the resulting economic crisis. The situation is further complicated by the widening divide between Israel and America, with Israel contemplating a ground invasion of Lebanon.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Shashank Joshi, The Economist, The Revolutionary Guards • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The article discusses the potential consequences of a military conflict between the United States and Iran, specifically focusing on the Strait of Hormuz. The US is deploying troops and equipment to the region, suggesting that President Donald Trump is considering a military operation to reopen the strait. The article highlights the complexity and challenges of such an operation, including the risk of intensified conflict, damage to the world economy, and the potential for unpredictable outcomes. The US military is already stretched thin, and the conflict is devouring munitions and exhausting the navy. The article also notes that the conflict is having severe economic consequences, including a significant energy supply shock.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Strait of Hormuz, US Marines • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The article provides live updates on the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Iran has denied reports of peace talks with the US, despite the White House claiming that talks are proceeding. The conflict has resulted in renewed strikes in the Gulf region, with two people killed in Abu Dhabi due to falling debris from an intercepted ballistic missile. Israel and Iran continue to trade strikes, and Iran has been preparing to defend its key island, Kharg Island. The conflict has also had global implications, with India urging households to switch to piped natural gas to mitigate the energy crisis, and other Asian countries implementing emergency measures to deal with fuel shortages. The US is working to arrange a meeting in Pakistan to discuss an off-ramp from the conflict.
Entities: Iran, United States, Israel, Gulf, Abu Dhabi • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The US and Israel are engaged in a war with Iran, with talks between the US and Iran ongoing but described differently by both sides. The US is working on a 15-point plan to end the war, while Iran's Foreign Minister said the US shift in tone amounts to an acknowledgment of failure. The war is having significant impacts on the US, including high public dissatisfaction, a new postal surcharge, and bipartisan skepticism in Congress. The conflict continues on the ground, with Iran preparing to defend its Kharg Island and warning of potential additional strategic fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Entities: US, Israel, Iran, Donald Trump, Tehran • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The Iranian military has vowed to continue fighting 'until complete victory' despite suffering heavy losses in a joint US and Israeli campaign known as Operation Epic Fury. The operation, which began on February 28, has resulted in the destruction or damage of over 140 Iranian naval vessels and more than 9,000 combat flights. Iranian military spokesman Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi stated that Iran's armed forces are 'proud, victorious and steadfast in defending Iran's integrity.' US President Donald Trump had paused planned US strikes on Iran on Monday, citing diplomatic progress. The US has targeted Iranian Navy ships and submarines, air defense systems, and other military infrastructure.
Entities: Iran, United States, Israel, Donald Trump, Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The article reports on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, with Israel carrying out a fresh wave of strikes across Iran. The Israeli military said it had 'eliminated' Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps navy commander. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, with two people killed in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted missile fell on Sweihan Road. The United States has warned Iran that it is ready to 'unleash hell' if it does not accept a peace deal. China has seen a 'glimmer of hope' for peace despite Iran's stance, with both the US and Iran signalling a willingness to negotiate. The conflict has also led to a surge in oil prices, prompting Japan to release part of its strategic oil reserves.
Entities: Israel, Iran, United States, Donald Trump, Tehran • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The article discusses the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, with US President Donald Trump claiming that his administration is in 'very good and productive' talks with Iran to end the war. However, Iran has denied these claims, and it remains unclear who is representing Iran in the negotiations. The article analyzes the situation, including the potential mediators, the objectives of both sides, and the terms of a possible peace agreement. According to the article, talks are happening indirectly, with Pakistan's army chief mediating between Iran and the US. The US has proposed a 15-point plan, while Iran has set out five conditions for ending the war, including a halt to aggression and international recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, US, Pakistan, Jared Kushner • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-03-2026
The US is deploying thousands of troops to the Gulf region amid speculation that President Donald Trump may order a ground operation against Iran, despite his recent push for talks to end the war. Iran has rejected Trump's diplomatic outreach and threatened retaliation if US troops are deployed on its soil. Military officials and analysts foresee three possible scenarios for US troops, all of which are considered high-risk and potentially resulting in major casualties. Trump's allies, including Keith Kellogg and Lindsey Graham, have supported troop deployments, but opposition is growing among Republicans and Democrats.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, US, Keith Kellogg, Lindsey Graham • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
