Apple TV+ has officially brought back its international espionage thriller Tehran with the premiere of its long delayed third season, marking the platform’s first major original series release of 2026.
The series, created around covert intelligence warfare between I and I, resumes with Tamar Rabinyan, a Mossad hacker turned fugitive, struggling to survive after becoming a burned asset inside Tehran. With enemies on both sides, Tamar searches for leverage that could help her regain institutional protection while evading professional assassins sent to eliminate her.
Season three introduces Hugh Laurie as a South African nuclear inspector whose mission centers on uncovering potential treaty violations. His storyline runs parallel to Tamar’s, setting up a tense narrative that hints at a future collision between political investigation and covert survival.
Shaun Toub returns as Faraz Kamali, an intelligence officer balancing internal power struggles with personal guilt tied to a secret killing. His wife’s involvement in the death of a former ally continues to shape his cautious political maneuvering rather than ideological loyalty.
The season also explores hidden weapons shipments, failed inspection access at nuclear facilities, and growing unrest following the assassination of a senior military figure. While the series maintains its signature chases and confrontations, its emotional core remains focused on Tamar’s fractured identity as she navigates family ties, loyalty, and betrayal.
Production for season three was completed more than four years ago, but Apple delayed its release due to the sensitivity of its themes amid real world regional conflict. The season previously aired in full on Israeli network KAN 11 before its global Apple TV+ rollout.
Tehran continues to rely on strong performances, particularly from Niv Sultan, whose portrayal of Tamar reflects both vulnerability and resilience. Hugh Laurie’s character adds international gravitas, though his narrative importance will depend on whether his investigation ultimately connects with Tamar’s mission.
New episodes will stream weekly through late February, with the series already renewed for a fourth season, confirming Apple’s long term commitment to the franchise.
