Iranians divided on whether their leaders should talk to Trump

Iranians are divided in their view of how to respond to President Donald Trump’s offer of direct talks. While many see it as insincere, they nonetheless welcome it as an opportunity to beat the United States at its own game.

United States

Khamenei appears to point finger at IS for Ahvaz attack

Arab separatists walked back claims of their involvement in the Ahvaz terrorist attack after Iran summoned European countries for hosting them.

Iran

Iran's influence continues to shape new Iraqi government

After Iran succeeded in pushing through its preferred candidate for Iraq's parliament speaker, Tehran continued its pressure to secure the position of second deputy speaker, bringing the "score" to 2-0 against the US.

Iraq

Intimidation, persecution of Iranian lawyers won’t halt dissent

Iran's lawyers face tight restrictions and countless obstacles from the government, especially those who dare to work security and political cases.

Iran

Friction heats up between Russia, Israel over downed aircraft

Jerusalem is worried that the conflict with Moscow caused by the downing of a Russian jet in Syria will paralyze IDF activities and enable Iran to transfer arms to Hezbollah.

Israel

Damascus puts on elections while Russia is busy with geopolitics

While Moscow has been busy with the situation in Idlib, Damascus has held municipal elections, where its candidates won.

Syria

Mandatory hijab hunger strike enters 50th day

An Iranian activist, Farhad Meysami, under arrest in Evin Prison for openly opposing mandatory veiling, has been on a hunger strike for 50 days.

Iran

Iranians lash out at preferential treatment of pilgrims

While many Iranians have criticized the authorities’ decision to allow visa fees for the Arbaeen pilgrimage to be paid at the secondary foreign currency market rate, the move could, in reality, be filling the administration’s coffers.

Iraq

Iran's rich, influential religious singers eclipse clerics

As Iran's traditional eulogists grow in fame and influence, they have drawn criticism from the clerics who used to have the main voices in religious ceremonies.

Iran

Trump’s Iran envoy blasts Tehran missile work, downplays prospects for NY meeting

Brian Hook, the US special envoy on Iran, said any new agreement with Iran would have to curb Iran’s transfer of ballistic missile technology.

United States

Iranian singer's 'sickening' anti-Islam post embarrasses hard-liners

An Iranian singer supported by the country's hard-liners has become a source of embarrassment after he greatly offended Shiite Islam in a social media post.

Iran

Iran pursues opposition by bombing Iraqi Kurdistan

Tehran is expanding its influence in Iraq, taking a tougher stance against its exiled Kurdish opposition in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iraq