Author: A correspondent in Iran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the Kurdish region of Iraq, showcasing unity with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani. The symbolic exchange of languages between the two leaders indicated strengthened relations between Iran and the autonomous Kurdish region. While Pezeshkian remained optimistic about the relationship, Barzani acknowledged existing problems and emphasized not to use Kurdish territory against Iran. Leading up to Pezeshkian’s visit, Iranian Kurdish opposition groups faced setbacks, including forced relocations and extraditions, indicating increasing Iranian influence in the region. These developments follow the 2022 anti-establishment movement in Iran, where Kurdish groups were blamed for inciting unrest. Tehran’s success in…
In the midst of global attention on Iran’s political landscape, the stark reality of capital punishment remains a constant. The use of the death penalty in Iran has sparked renewed international scrutiny, particularly following the harsh suppression of the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising. Despite widespread condemnation, protesters continue to face executions, with a staggering 853 recorded in 2023, the highest figure in nearly a decade. The recent surge in executions has prompted alarm from the UN, with at least 81 individuals executed in August 2024 alone. Reports of unfair trials and unlawful executions have raised concerns about human rights…
Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, many Iranians fear the possibility of a destructive war. While some experts believe that Iran must retaliate, others warn of the potential risks of getting involved in a direct conflict with Israel. A former IRGC commander suggests that Iran has prepared various operations to target Israel, potentially using advanced missiles. However, another analyst highlights Iran’s strategic approach to avoiding direct conflict by engaging proxy forces instead. Recent tit-for-tat attacks between Tehran and Tel Aviv have been described as measured and controlled retaliations, showcasing…
The Political Battle in Tehran: Mayor Zakani and the Fractured Conservative Front Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms, ultra-conservative mayor Alireza Zakani continues to wield significant power and autonomy within Tehran. The aftermath of the recent presidential election has created a rift within the conservative front, leading to backlash from former allies and increased influence for reformists. A recent article by the pro-reformist Hammihan daily questioned Zakani’s accountability and responsiveness to the city council’s inquiries, highlighting a lack of cooperation and transparency within the municipality. The Tehran mayor’s position is crucial in Iran’s political landscape, with power equivalent to that…
Iran’s upcoming presidential election has taken a controversial turn with the approval of six candidates by the powerful Guardian Council. The election was triggered by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, leading to an early vote scheduled for 28 June. The candidates approved by the Guardian Council include prominent figures such as Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, known for his history with the IRGC, Saeed Jalili, a veteran soldier involved in nuclear talks, and Alireza Zakani, a fundamentalist politician and Tehran mayor. Other approved candidates include Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a cleric with a dark past suppressing dissidents, Amir-Hossein…
The Aftermath of Raisi’s Death: What Lies Ahead for Iran After the unexpected death of former president Ebrahim Raisi, Iran finds itself at a crossroads both domestically and internationally. Raisi’s vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, will step in as interim president and oversee the upcoming election to choose the next leader within 50 days. Meanwhile, public distrust in the establishment has reached a new high, with social media posts expressing relief at Raisi’s passing. Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi and other Iranians have highlighted the lack of public support for the regime, raising questions about the future of Iranian politics. Internationally, Iran…