Islamic Republic Faces Challenges As It Prepares Response to Haniyeh Killing
By Ahmad Rafat
Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’s political office, was killed in Tehran on July 31. In response, the Islamic Republic quickly announced its plan to take retaliatory action against Israel, even though...
OPINION: The Warsaw Conference: Exclusive Kayhan Life Account
By Ahmad Rafat
Two-day summit attended by senior representatives from more than 60 countries titled “Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East” concluded its work on February 14 in...
ANALYSIS: How Hostage Taking Is An Integral Part of Iran’s Foreign Policy
By Ahmad Rafat
Holding foreign nationals and Iranians with dual citizenship hostage, and demanding money or a prisoner swap for their freedom, has been an integral part of the Islamic Republic’s transactional foreign policy since...
ANALYSIS: How Is Invasion of Ukraine Impacting Iran Nuclear Deal?
By Ahmad Rafat
In comments reported by domestic and international news organizations, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said that 98 percent of issues had been resolved during the recent round of talks in Vienna...
INTERVIEW: Hunger-Striking Iranian Rights Activist Vahid Beheshti Urges UK Action
By Ahmad Rafat
Vahid Beheshti, a journalist and human rights activist, has been on a hunger strike outside the British Foreign Office in London since Feb. 23 in an effort to urge the British government...
Awardwinning Filmmaker Rasoulof Speaks to Kayhan Life; Movie Is Out in Europe
By Ahmad Rafat
The award-winning Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof’s film “There Is No Evil” (2020) has just been released in cinemas across Europe. The film has won the top prize at several film festivals, including...
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...
Iranian Films Win Awards At Venice Film Festival
By Ahmad Rafat
Iranian filmmakers and actors won three awards in the Horizons (Orizzonti) section of the Venice Film Festival earlier this month. The section runs parallel to the main festival competition.
Dominique Welinski and René...
ANALYSIS: Islamic Republic Is Militarily Exposed As Its Proxies Suffer Defeat
By Ahmad Rafat
The assault by Hamas on Israeli territory on Oct. 7, 2023, represented a significant event in the Middle East. Following this attack, Israel initiated military operations aimed at the Gaza Strip and...
At Venice Film Festival, Filmmaker Rasoulof Is On Main Competition Jury
By Ahmad Rafat
The 82nd International Venice Film Festival is currently under way on Lido island in Venice. The event concludes on Sept. 6 with the announcement of the Golden Lion, the Silver Lion, and...
