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...
U.S. Keeps Military Option on Table As It Seeks to Reboot Iran Nuclear Talks
By Ahmad Rafat
U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration have reiterated their commitment to rejoin the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), better known as the Iran nuclear deal. Yet it is unclear...
INTERVIEW: Israeli-Iranian Singer Liraz Charhi to Debut Her Album “Zan” In London Concert
By Ahmad Rafat
Liraz Charhi, a 31-year-old Israeli Singer of Iranian descent, will debut her album Zan (“Woman”) at a concert on May 19 in London.
Born in Ramla, Israel, into a Persian Jewish family, she...
Hezbollah Cannot Survive Without Iran’s Support, Lebanese Analyst Says
By Ahmad Rafat
Tens of thousands of Lebanese marched in the streets of their capital city Beirut earlier this month to protest against the prevailing economic crisis, high unemployment, and widespread corruption in the country....
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...
Iran’s Zarif Cancels European Trip After Global Condemnation of Afkari Execution
By Ahmad Rafat
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has canceled his European tour following global condemnation of the Sept. 12 execution of Navid Afkari, a 27-year-old champion wrestler.
Mr. Afkari was charged with murdering Hassan...
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...
ANALYSIS: Iran Starts the New Year With Women’s Protests
By Ahmad Rafat
The Iranian New Year, 1401, started on March 21 with nationwide protests by women. Iranian women, who have been victims of systematic and legally sanctioned discrimination under the Islamic Republic for the...
Pope Francis to Meet Grand Ayatollah Sistani On His First-Ever Visit to Iraq
By Ahmad Rafat
Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on March 5 on his first-ever visit to the country. During his four-day visit to the birthplace of Abraham -- the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam...
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...
