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...
Albania Severs Ties with Iran, Expels Diplomats
By Ahmad Rafat
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sept. 7 that his country had severed ties with the Islamic Republic, giving Iranian diplomats 24 hours to leave the country.
In a televised statement, Prime...
ANALYSIS: Iran Nuclear Talks Are Deadlocked Again
By Ahmad Rafat
Negotiations in Vienna to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, have reached an impasse once again. Despite the optimism expressed by several parties involved in...
Inside Iraq, the Iranian Government Pulls All the Strings, Journalist Tells Kayhan Life
By Ahmad Rafat
Anti-government protests that began on October 1 in the central and southern provinces of Iraq have turned more violent in recent days. There have been fierce clashes between rioters and security forces...
ANALYSIS: Red Sea Ship Attacks Could Trigger All-Out Middle East War
By Ahmad Rafat
A dangerous power struggle is unfolding in the Red Sea caused by recent developments. The “Axis of Resistance,” led by the Islamic Republic, is posing a major economic challenge to the Western...
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...
ISIL’s Retreat from Mosul: The Nasty Consequences
By Ahmad Rafat
The Battle of Mosul is a joint military offensive launched in October 2016 by Iraqi government forces, Iranian-backed Shia militia, and the Peshmerga military forces of Iraqi Kurdistan. Its aim is to...
ANALYSIS: Iran Prepares for Fresh Round of Nuclear Talks
By Ahmad Rafat
On Nov. 27, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, dubbed the “father of Iran’s nuclear program,” was killed by unknown attackers who reportedly used a “remote control weapon” to fire on his car on Mostafa Khomeini...
ANALYSIS: Women-Led Protests Are Shifting the West’s Attitude Towards Iran
By Ahmad Rafat
Western governments and politicians have finally focused their collective attention on the nationwide protests in Iran, sparked by the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a 22-year-old woman, who died while in the...
Iranian Films Are Among Award Contenders at Venice Film Festival
By Ahmad Rafat
The Venice Film Festival -- which gave Shirin Neshat its best director award in 2009 -- opened on August 29 on the island of Lido. While this year's main competition has no...
