Ink & Irony
Diplomacy Cannot Conceal the Bloodstains
by Behnam Mohammadi
The Islamic Republic’s delegation arrived at the UN as evidence of repression mounted. Four years after Woman, Life, Freedom, Amnesty identified 87 officials for investigation, while UN investigators found crimes against humanity in the latest crackdown.
Welcome to the Kayhan Life Week in Review
The UN gathering in New York brought U.S. and Islamic Republic officials into their first talks since July’s ceasefire collapsed. Negotiators explored a phased deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the U.S. blockade, amid new sanctions that disrupted Iranian flights. The Senate rejected a bid to curb Trump’s war powers, while Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia threatened energy routes. Britain warned Tehran over threats on UK soil. With international attention fixed on war and negotiations, authorities executed Hossein Pedaran on espionage charges, and rights groups reported hundreds of children and educators arrested and 135 lawyers targeted over the past year. Iranians described soaring bills and fear of armed street patrols. In Los Angeles, Shadi Yousefian’s art explored exile, memory and identity.
Welcome to the Kayhan Life Week in Review
U.S. and Islamic Republic negotiators explored a phased deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the U.S. blockade. The UN gathering hosted their first public talks since July’s ceasefire collapsed.
US and Iran Discuss Phased Deal to Reopen Hormuz and End US Blockade, Sources Say
The public exchanges showed no indication of any compromise. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the Islamic Republic would not give in after Trump had threatened to annihilate it, although he did say that diplomacy was still possible. Trump, on the other hand, said that he expected a settlement.
Pezeshkian Says Iran Won’t Surrender After Trump’s Annihilation Threat
Trump Says Talks With Iran Continue and He Thinks Settlement Will Be Reached
Washington intensified its economic pressure as the talks resumed. Iranian flights to the United Arab Emirates seemed to have stopped after the deadline on September 23, when foreign companies were required to cease servicing Iranian airlines. The Islamic Republic warned that it would respond against neighboring airports that did so, raising the risk that the sanctions could lead to further attacks.
Iranian Flights Canceled as New US ‘D-Day’ Sanctions Take Effect,
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Chinese officials had engaged closely in sanctions discussions. He warned that companies providing Iranian airlines with fuel, landing services or ticket sales risked exclusion from the dollar system.
Bessent Says China ‘Very Engaged’ on Iran Sanctions, Including Airline Shutdown Effort
As the conflict in Yemen exposed Saudi territory and export routes to renewed attack,
Saudi Arabia’s top religious authority called on soldiers in the kingdom to be ready to lay down their lives to fight the Iran-backed Houthis until the group is ousted from power.
Saudi Grand Mufti Tells Troops to Be Ready to Sacrifice Their Lives Fighting HouthisSaudis Say They Shoot Down Houthi Missiles
G7 ministers called on the Islamic Republic to stop arming Yemen’s Houthis, whose advances and attacks on Saudi Arabia threatened shipping and energy supplies. Earlier reporting on Sept. 17 said China had privately urged Tehran to restrain the group after Riyadh appealed for help.
Saudis Say They Shoot Down Houthi Missiles
G7 Foreign Ministers Call on Iran to Stop Arming Houthis
EXCLUSIVE-China Presses Iran to Help Rein In Houthis After Saudi Appeal, Sources Say
With November’s midterm elections approaching, the US Senate narrowly rejected a resolution demanding President Donald Trump end the war in Iran or seek congressional authorization.
US Senate Rejects Democratic-Led Resolution to Curb Trump’s Iran War Powers
Europe addressed several disagreements involving the Islamic Republic by calling for increased cooperation on nuclear matters and the right to free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. While Ukraine aimed to reduce tensions, France committed to responding after its embassy-linked language center in Tehran was closed by the authorities. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom cautioned against threats directed at its territory.
EU’s Costa Urges Iran to Resume Cooperation With IAEA
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Says He Discussed Keeping Tensions Low With Iranian Counterpart
France Vows Response After Iran Closes Language Centre in Tehran
Britain Warns Iran It Will Not Tolerate Hostile Activity on UK Soil, Sky News Reports
Sweden’s government transition triggered discussion of policy toward the Islamic Republic after the mutual diplomatic expulsions. In an interview with Kayhan Life before the elections, Iranian-born MP Nima Gholam Ali Pour promised to back democratic change; he was one of the MPs who invited Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to parliament in April.
As Sweden Forms New Government, MP Urges Practical Iran Policy
In Iran, while the Islamic Republic continued with executions, ordinary Iranians provided insight into their daily lives, including runaway inflation and armed patrols. During the past year, rights organizations recorded pressure being exerted on lawyers, teachers, students, and children under the age of 18.
EXCLUSIVE: Iranians Speak Out About Runaway Inflation, Brutal Repression
Pedaran Executed in Iran on Mossad Spying Charges Amid Broader Crackdown
Iran’s Lawyers Are Being Targeted, Arrested by Regime, HRANA Reports
Hundreds of Students and Teachers Arrested in Iran, Hengaw Reports
Shadi Yousefian, an artist from Iran, presented work on memory and belonging at an exhibition at Advocartsy in Los Angeles, which ran until 26th September. The art she produced offered a personal account of her experiences as someone living between cultures.
Shadi Yousefian, Whose Art Is In LACMA Collections, Exhibits in LA
Kayhan Life’s Curated News:
Kayhan Life’s Social Media Picks:
Iranian Officials Identified as Warranting Criminal Investigation
Ali Zarei a Political Prisoner Sentenced to Death in Iran Sends a Recoded Message
Iranian Diaspora Gathers in Copenhagen to Voice Solidarity with Iranians in Their Homeland
Stage of Freedom Organizes a Protest Rally in London
Cellist Kian Soltani Performs “Girl from Shiraz” Dedicates it to the Brave People of Iran
UNESCO’s Cyrus the Great & Persepolis Campaign
Treat of the Week:
Honey & Harissa Roast Eggplants
All of us at Kayhan Life wish you a peaceful weekend.
