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...
For context, here's what the Iranian president said: “His excellency has no opposition to investment by American investors in Iran. American investors: Come and invest.”
apnews.com/article/iran...
Now in 2025, those issues remain—and the Islamic Republic has added more reasons for the West to stay away: Namely, hostage-taking, committing crimes against humanity during WLF, and getting into tit-for-tats with a regional country.
The opportunity of 2015 is gone for good.
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."
If you’re a subscriber, I’d love your feedback on The Iranist newsletter!
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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...
