Explosive Sequel: ‘Tehran’ Unleashes on Apple TV Once Again

Apple TV is starting off the new year with a bang by premiering the long-awaited season 3 of the international thriller “Tehran” as the first in its lineup for 2026. This Israeli-Iranian espionage series was one of the initial shows of its kind to be featured on Apple’s streaming service. It was announced in June 2020 and debuted that September, just before Apple TV’s first anniversary. The first season consisted of eight episodes, followed by another eight-episode season in the summer of 2022.

Despite being renewed for a third season in February 2023 and being ready for release that summer, the series mysteriously disappeared from Apple TV. Apple never officially commented on the matter, but it is likely that the company felt a show about a Mossad intelligence agent infiltrating Iran would be insensitive following the geopolitical tensions that arose after the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Israeli broadcaster Kan, which co-produces the show with Apple, explained in a statement to Ynetnews in April 2024 that the premiere was postponed due to the outbreak of war. While Apple has the international rights, Kan broadcasts the series in Israel. Apple’s agreement with Kan allowed them to delay the broadcast in Israel as well. Kan expressed their ongoing discussions with Apple to determine a new premiere date.

Although season 3 had already been filmed, there was uncertainty about whether it would ever be released. Insiders revealed that Apple had also halted production on season 4, fearing that the storyline of Israeli intelligence agents versus Iran would be irrelevant in the event of a regional conflict.

Eventually, Apple gave Kan the green light to air “Tehran” season 3 on December 9, 2024, but Apple delayed its release. The reasons for this decision were not entirely clear, but when Apple finally announced the show’s return on December 4, 2025, they confirmed that a fourth season was in the works, indicating their desire to maintain momentum for the show.

The action-packed storyline of “Tehran” continues in season 3, with Niv Sultan reprising her role as agent Tamar Rabinyan alongside Shaun Toub and Shila Omni. The new season also features English actor and comedian Hugh Laurie as Eric Peterson, a South African nuclear inspector.

The show follows Tamar, a Mossad hacker-agent who infiltrates Tehran under a false identity. Season three sees Tamar reinventing herself and seeking the Mossad’s support to survive after going rogue at the end of season two.

Season 3 of “Tehran” premiered on Apple TV on January 9, with new episodes airing every Friday until February 27. The fourth season is already in production, promising fans a shorter wait for the continuation of the gripping saga.