As nuclear talks proceed, the president should recall his past acknowledgement that respect for human rights and democracy is “an integral component of U.S. national security,” write @hdagres.bsky.social, Azadeh Pourzand, and Kelly Shannon in @nytopinion.nytimes.com.

Delighted to share a piece I co-authored with @hdagres.bsky.social and Azadeh Pourzand on #Iran published this morning by @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2025/04/12/o...

Everything you need to know about the US-Iran talks in Oman—and more 👇🏼 open.substack.com/pub/iranist/...

Trump warned Tehran that it must either cut a deal to cease all nuclear weapons development, or face the very real threat of military strikes ⬇️ 🎙 The Story podcast 🗣 @hdagres.bsky.social pod.fo/e/2c58b2

Senior Iranian officials allegedly told Khamenei: "Allow Tehran to negotiate with Washington, even directly if necessary, because otherwise the Islamic Republic’s rule could be toppled." www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...

At least 50 political prisoners are now facing execution in Iran, including three women. Last year, there were over 900 executions—the highest in 9 years. iranhumanrights.org/2025/04/five...

The former UK ambassador to Tehran, Simon Shercliff, is running in the London marathon with former Iran hostage Anoosheh Ashoori to raise money for Hostage International. You can donate 👇🏼 www.justgiving.com/page/anooshe...

In 2015, Iran was seen as a goldmine for investment and Iranians were excited to come out of isolation. But despite Obama admin efforts, some countries were wary due to sanctions and political risk. Others that braved investment realized there was red tape and corruption.

A Trump administration official said that Steve Witkoff’s team sent messages urging direct talks via Oman. "If the talks aren’t direct, Witkoff might not go to Oman, the official said." www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi in WaPost op-ed reiterates that talks are "indirect negotiations" and explains logic, but also includes: 1) US needs to agree there's no "military option" 2) Notes Iran didn't violate the JCPOA 3) Iran is open for business www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...

There’s a divide between NSC advisor Waltz and Special Envoy Witkoff on how to handle Iran. Trump wants a “verified nuclear peace agreement,” so he’ll likely make moves at the top level to ensure those handling Iran align with his agenda and sideline the Libya model crowd.

The Islamic Republic needs a deal because of the dire situation on the ground. It needs enough sanctions relief to float for the next 4 years to survive the Trump administration. President Trump, driven by his desire to secure a deal, may ultimately grant them that lifeline.

"Trump advisers privately concede Iran's program is now so far along that [Maximum Pressure] might not be effective. That makes a military option a real possibility. Others close to Trump expect that he'll seek a deal before considering a strike." www.axios.com/2025/01/06/t...

31 women were executed in Iran during 2024, marking the highest annual number in 17 years, according to Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). iranwire.com/en/women/137...

Activist Bahar Ghandehari of Middle East Matters spray paints "Free Iran" and "Women, Life, Freedom" on the ex-Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria instagram.com/p/DEaYJv9tqeU/

Tehran-based Gen Z tattoo artist gives her grandmother a tattoo, and she ends up loving it. This video went viral on IG with 3.4 million views.

Iranian toman is 80,000 now to the US dollar. I remember when it was 800 when I moved to Iran in 1999. Iranians can’t live under these circumstances.

It's almost like they want people to protest... In November 2019, a triple fuel price hike prompted Iranians to protest. Security forces reportedly killed 1,500 in what became known as "Bloody November." www.iranintl.com/en/202412239...

Iran's judiciary chief directed the attorney general and provincial prosecutors to cooperate with security forces to prevent unrest, "emphasizing that decisive action is needed to maintain stability" during power outages. www.iranintl.com/en/202412235...

“The owner of one of the largest manufacturing plants for construction material said… that his business had survived revolution, war and sanctions but that none of those things had been as chaotic and stressful as events of the past week.” www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/w...

Contact in Iran: "We're waiting to see what happens." Me: "We're waiting to see what you guys do," referring to ordinary Iranians. Contact in Iran: "We're waiting to see what you guys do [the US] because we can't do it ourselves."

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When then-President Ahmadinejad visited Egypt in 2013, Egyptians were worried about Islamists because the Muslim Brotherhood was in power. Now, under Sisi, no one bats an eyelash at President Pezeshkian's visit. Very telling... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

HTS appointed a deputy for Iranian affairs, Abdulrahman Fattahi—an Iranian-born Sunni cleric and former imam—known for his jihadist sermons. The group is reportedly trying to build ties with Iran's Sunnis in a bid to reduce Tehran's influence in Syria. www.iranintl.com/en/202412156...

Even the new secretary general of Hezbollah acknowledged that the group lost its military supply line from Iran through Syria. www.wsj.com/world/middle...

What happened to the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun Brigades in Syria? “...reports have indicated that some were flown to Iran along with IRGC forces. Others are said to have crossed into neighboring Iraq or followed fleeing Hezbollah forces into Lebanon.” www.voanews.com/a/what-happe...

"Turkey’s backing for Syrian rebels and Erdogan’s remarks about major Syrian cities have led commentators in Iran to argue that the Turkish president is pursuing 'neo-Ottomanism.'" Seems they missed that Arabs think Tehran has a now crumbling empire... amwaj.media/media-monito...

“The Syria debate is happening at all levels of society... but in daily interactions everywhere. [Iranians] are asking: Why did we spend so much money there? What did we achieve? What is our justification now that it’s all gone?” www.nytimes.com/2024/12/13/w...

Syria owes Iran at least $30 billion, according to former MP Bahram Parsaei. The money "could have funded multiple Olympic Games, built world-class stadiums, and still left over $1 billion." iranwire.com/en/features/...

Pentagon denies that drones spotted over New Jersey were from a foreign entity or adversary and dismissed a claim by Republican lawmaker Jeff Van Drew that they were being launched from an Iranian "mothership." www.reuters.com/world/us/no-...

Iranian authorities have reported that 4,000 Iranian citizens, some of which were pilgrims, have returned from Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. iranwire.com/en/news/1370...

Khamenei blames the United States and Israel for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and also mentions Turkey but not by name. www.reuters.com/world/middle...

Women in Iran could be sentenced to death if they send videos of themselves unveiled to media outside Iran or “otherwise engaging in peaceful activism" as part of the new compulsory morality laws. www.theguardian.com/global-devel...

There's a ceramic shop in Tehran selling cups that are shaped like genitalia, and the photo has gone viral. I'd share it here, but it's NSFW. What's amusing is the account that posted it said: "If there's a revolution, tell me I can handle it." 🤣 Shows where priorities are.

Jolani mentions Iran in speech: “This new triumph… marks a new chapter in the history of the region, a history fraught with dangers (that left) Syria as a playground for Iranian ambitions, spreading sectarianism, stirring corruption.” www.cnn.com/2024/12/08/m...

A pro-IRI analyst, Hatef Salehi said on #Clubhouse that “the most important lesson of Syria for the Islamic Republic is that no government can last without the support of the people.” www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/w...

Anti-regime Iranians inside Iran and in the diaspora are looking at Bashar al-Assad’s downfall and wondering whether they’ll see the Islamic Republic’s demise someday.

Iran “blamed Assad for not preparing for the rebel assault and said they weren’t able to send military reinforcements because of Israel… An Iranian plane heading for Syria earlier this week made a U-turn because of the threat of Israeli airstrikes…” www.wsj.com/world/middle...

Former Iranian vice president for legal and parliamentary affairs: The fall of Assad is “one of the most significant events in the history of the Middle East.”

Current status of the Islamic Republic of Iran Embassy in Damascus, Syria.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was set to do a Q&A session at the #DohaForum today. It has been removed off the agenda.

Spotted at the #DohaForum

Last night… #DohaForum

You’re allowed to be anti-Assad and anti-HTS and still support freedom for Syrians. It’s not rocket science.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at #DohaForum says Iran, Russia, and Turkey agree on the following re Syria: Territorial integrity, immediate call for hostile activities, Resolution 2254 to be fully implemented, and a call for dialogue.

At the #DohaForum, many folks working on the region are glued to their phones to see latest on what’s happening in Syria and/or discussing it in their side chats.

When the #MahsaAmini protests were happening, Syrians—some of whom I'm proud to call my friends—were the folks who showed the most solidarity. They shared the news, showed up at protests, checked in on their friends, etc. Iranians should show them the same courtesy.

Catch up on the past week's Iran-related headlines 📩 www.theiranist.com/p/hijab-law-...

With the way the Resistance Axis is crumbling, I wouldn't be surprised if things pop off in Iran…

Ahmad Khatami has been stripped of his position in the Supreme Council for the Management of Qom Seminaries. Not long ago, he opposed—alongside the late Ebrahim Raisi—Mojtaba Khamenei replacing his father, during an Assembly of Experts meeting. iranwire.com/en/politics/...