Israel News | Israel Hayom - www.israelhayom.com

Iran & The Gulf

Report: Khamenei hands effective control of Iran to Ali Larijani

February 22, 2026

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has entrusted the day-to-day management of the country to his senior adviser Ali Larijani, effectively sidelining President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a report in The New York Times.

Analysis

A democratic Iran could become Israel's ally, regional power

Shachar Kleiman

United States

The heavy toll of the Iran mission on USS Gerald R Ford

ILH Staff

Sports

Israel's bobsled team suspended from Winter Olympics

Oren Aharoni

Sports

Israeli Muay Thai fighter Ahavat Hashem Gordon defeats Turkish rival

Oren Aharoni

Talks between Iran and the US on brink of collapse

Iran floats flexibility as US signals strike readiness

Danny Zaken

Report: '90% chance' of US kinetic action on Iran

Trump's aircraft carrier deployment sends a message, including to Israel

Yoav Limor

Hezbollah brases for war as Revolutionary Guard take command

Shachar Kleiman

Iran: If the US attacks we'll retaliate against Israel

Analysis

A democratic Iran could become Israel's ally, regional power

While Israel would prefer to see the regime in Tehran collapse, Middle Eastern states are hoping for the exact opposite. The reason? A civil war in Iran could trigger refugee waves and disrupt key shipping lanes. Yet, if the regime falls, a pro Western government could emerge as a regional power.

February 22, 2026

Analysis

As the US eyes Iran showdown, how far should it go?

It is clear that militarily, Iran is not capable of challenging the United States militarily. The US, then, must answer one basic question: What does success look like, and at what cost?

February 21, 2026

Magazine

The battle over Ramadan's soul

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, a shadow hangs over what is meant to be the most sacred period in the Muslim calendar. For most of the world’s Muslims, Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal. Yet extremist groups have sought to hijack and turn it into a season of militant heroism, turning religious devotion into justification for terrorism.

February 21, 2026

Magazine

'Don't go with Bennett, go with Netanyahu'

Five years ago, the phone of Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas rang, and on the other end was a surprising request.

February 21, 2026

US prepares Iran strike target bank with Israel, allies

Magazine

What if Iran strikes first?

All signs indicate that US assistance is indeed on its way this time. But the Donald Trump we have come to know is a sprinter, while achieving decisive victory in Iran would require a marathon. For now, Israel is leaving the reins in Washington’s hands, hoping to avoid a multi-front convergence and praying for the most optimistic scenario.

February 21, 2026

Analysis

Why is China silent on Iran?

With Tehran under pressure and the Middle East ablaze, Beijing plays a long game, supplying oxygen while refusing to walk into the fire.

February 19, 2026

Explainer

What we know about the massive US military buildup in the Middle East

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is heading to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is already operating in the Arabian Sea. Alongside the growing naval presence, massive air traffic of F-35, F-22 and F-16 fighter jets has been recorded, while US bases in Jordan, Qatar and across the Gulf have received significant reinforcements.

February 17, 2026

US-Iran meeting will decide between war or deal

Analysis

Why the US-Iran talks matter

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to meet in Geneva for substantive negotiations based on weeks of indirect message exchanges. The core gap: Tehran believes Trump fears war while Washington is convinced a military buildup will force Iranian concessions. For now, escalation appears more likely than a deal.

February 17, 2026