ANALYSIS: How Iran Systematically Persecutes Artists, Rappers
By Ahmad Rafat
Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi’s trial was held on Jan. 12 at branch102 of Shahin Shahr’s criminal court in the central province of Isfahan. A few hours before the start of the court...
ANALYSIS: Is Iran Using Rocket Attacks to Pressure Biden?
By Ahmad Rafat
Recent rocket attacks on an American airbase in Iraq and terrorist operations in Africa are apparent steps taken by Iran to strengthen its position in any future nuclear talks with the U.S....
ANALYSIS: Islamic Republic’s Isolation Deepens After Gaza Peace Accord
By Ahmad Rafat
Recent developments in the Middle East -- including the Gaza peace agreement, the rekindling of relations between Arab states and Israel, and the waning influence of proxy forces -- suggest that a...
Iran Barred from International Financial System After Blacklisting by FATF
By Ahmad Rafat
On February 21, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklisted Iran for failing to enact the Palermo Convention, the Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) acts.
The decision came...
Singing About Hijab: Pop Vocalist Golazin Speaks to Kayhan Life
By Ahmad Rafat
Golazin Ardestani, better known as “Golazin” or “Gola,” is an Iranian-born Trap pop and urban singer. She has recently released her latest single, Haghmeh, which is about the mandatory hijab imposed on Iranian...
U.S. Revisits Military Option After Iran Missile Test
February 07, 2017
By Ahmad Rafat
Iran test-fired its Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missile outside Semnan, about 140 miles east of Tehran, on January 31, 2017. According to U.S. sources, the missile flew 600 miles before exploding...
Iranian Film Professionals Boycott Islamic Republic’s Fajr Festival
By Ahmad Rafat
A significant number of people in the Iranian film industry have said that they will not attend the 41st Fajr International Film Festival, which is being held between Feb. 1 and 11...
Spain Turns Down Iran’s Request for Extradition of Ex-Diplomat’s Son
By Ahmad Rafat
A court in Madrid has ordered the immediate release of Mohammad (Sasha) Sobhani, the son of a former Iranian diplomat and a social media celebrity who was detained by Spanish police at...
BOOK REVIEW: The Lasting Legacy of Shapour Bakhtiar, Iran’s Late Prime Minister
By Ahmad Rafat
“The Lasting Legacy of Shapour Bakhtiar,” by Dr. Ebrahim Biparva, is a collection of articles written by various people about Shapour Bakhtiar (1914-1991), Iran’s last Prime Minister under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Dr....
ANALYSIS: Islamic Republic Elections Draw Worst-Ever Turnout
By Ahmad Rafat
Elections for the Majlis (Iranian Parliament) and the sixth Assembly of Experts (which has the power to appoint Iran’s Supreme Leader) were held on March 1.
According to official data, the recent election...
