ANALYSIS: Iran and Saudi Arabia Still Have Many Unresolved Issues
By Ahmad Rafat
The Islamic Republic, Saudi Arabia, China, Israel, and the U.S. have been engaged in a power play in the Middle East recently, each trying to strengthen its influence in the region.
While Israel...
ANALYSIS: Trump’s Return Is Major Worry For Khamenei
By Ahmad Rafat
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has called on government officials to firmly reject any “demands from the United States and Israel under any circumstances.”
In a speech on Jan. 8 attended by senior...
Iranian Regime Accuses Cannes Best Actress Award Winner Zar Amir-Ebrahimi of ‘Blasphemy’
By Ahmad Rafat
Iranian officials have accused the Iranian-born actress Zahra Amir-Ebrahimi -- who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival recently for her role in “Holy Spider” -- and the movie’s...
ANALYSIS: Iran Is Closer Than Ever to Developing Nuclear Weapons
By Ahmad Rafat
In June 2015, the Islamic Republic and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely Britain, France, Russia, China and the U.S. plus Germany (P5+1), signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan...
ANALYSIS: Will the Iran-Nuclear Deal Talks Be Resuming in Tokyo?
By Ahmad Rafat
Japanese newspapers have reported that Japan will mediate a round of talks to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal. While Vienna was the site of...
Collapse of Assad Regime Deals Severe Blow to Islamic Republic
By Ahmad Rafat
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's dictatorial regime has collapsed in the space of a little over a week. A coalition of anti-government forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – which is listed as...
ANALYSIS: Iran Has Executed 225 People Since Late March
By Ahmad Rafat
The Islamic Republic of Iran has conducted 70 executions in the space of two weeks. It is hanging people at the rate of three a day. Iranian authorities have executed 225 people...
Pope Breaks Silence, Condemns Use of Death Penalty Against Protesters in Iran
By Ahmad Rafat
Pope Francis has condemned Iran’s use of the death penalty against protesters, demanding greater respect for women.
He made the remarks during his annual speech to foreign diplomats accredited to the Vatican on...
Jailed Iranian Filmmaker Jafar Panahi In Competition at Venice Film Festival
By Ahmad Rafat
The Venice International Film Festival turns 90 this year. Originally launched in 1932, it is the oldest international film festival in the world.
The 79th edition of the festival, organized by La Biennale...
ANALYSIS: How the Gaza Conflict Is Helping Iran
By Ahmad Rafat
The unfolding tragedy in Israel and the Gaza Strip shows just how quickly the Middle East can combust in the flames of war. It also makes clear that ordinary people are paying...
