Iran protests

A man checks old banknotes in the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on March 3, 2025. Iran's parliament sacked the country's finance minister on March 2 after impeaching him over soaring inflation and a plunging currency, state television reported. (Photo by Atta KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Public backlash as Iran closes $3.7B corruption case, largest in its history

With only two former ministers receiving lenient sentences, the $3.7 billion embezzlement scheme has reignited national debates on systemic corruption amid an increasingly dire economic climate.

A general view shows the Milad Tower in Iran's capital, Tehran, on Feb. 23, 2025.

Analysis

Iran steps up crackdown on Sunni militancy: How far could it go?

The question of Sunni militancy, which stems from decades-long systematic marginalization of Iran's Sunni minority, has added to an array of challenges Tehran's radical Shiite government is currently grappling with.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

People carry a banner during a march demanding truth and justice for Kurdish activists, Paris, Jan. 11, 2025.

27 Kurdish civilians, activists arrested in Iran following protests

After protests over the death sentences of Kurdish political prisoners, Iranian authorities arrested at least 27 people across the Kurdistan region.

Iranians lift up a flag and the mock up of a missile during a celebration following Iran's missiles and drones attack on Israel, on April 15, 2024, at Palestine square in central Tehran.

Analysis

Iran's turbulent 2024: Regional losses, economic pains and impending threats

Iran is bidding farewell to a 2024 rife with severe setbacks ranging from the Gaza war and escalating tensions with Israel to major geopolitical shifts and a faltering economy at home.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Analysis

Iran coal mine tragedy highlights prevalent corruption, workers' plight

Iranian miners look on at the scene of a blast at a coal mine in Tabas in Iran's Khorasan province on September 22, 2024. The blast caused by a gas leak at the coal mine in eastern Iran has killed at least 50 people, state media said on September 22, in one of Iran's deadliest work accidents in years. (Photo by Mohsen NOFERESTY / IRNA / AFP) (Photo by MOHSEN NOFERESTY/IRNA/AFP via Getty Images)

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

What’s behind Javad Zarif's resignation from Iran’s new government?

Mohammad Javad Zarif, the former Iranian Foreign Minister, flashes victory sign during an election rally in support of Iranian presidential election candidate Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Iran, on June 24, 2024. Iran is holding snap presidential elections to choose the next president after the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. After the election with a historically low turnout on Friday, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's presidential election candidate and former reformist member of the Iranian parliam

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Even as Iran denies $500M arms deal with Armenia, foothold in Caucasus is priority

Armenia's foreign minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, meets with his counterpart from Iran in Tehran on July 24, 2023.

Women activists face 'severe sentences' in Iran, as new president vows easing of restrictions

Two Iranian women are walking in the street of Tehran with optional covering.

Toomaj Salehi

Iran arrests dissident rapper amid anti-government protests

Toomaj Salehi was active on social media regarding the protests in Iran that began in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s death in the custody of the morality police on Sept. 16.

Iranian refugees and Iranians living in Greece hold up placards during a demonstration to commemorate 40 days from the death of Iranian Mahsa Amini while in police custody in Iran, in central Athens on Oct. 29, 2022.

Iran rocked by more violence as protesters mourn victims

The clashes saw angry protesters taking on government forces, who had opened fire and blocked ways to the victims’ graves.

Supporters of Hezbollah hold up their phones and wave the party flag during a celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the Shiite movement creation in southern suburb of Beirut on Aug. 22, 2022.

Breaking | Last Updated: November 17, 2022, 12:36 pm

US sanctions oil shipping network supporting Hezbollah, Quds Force

The Treasury Department accused a Gulf-based group of individuals and front companies of concealing the Iranian origins of oil shipments.

Iranians drive past a huge billboard showing a montage of pictures titled "The women of my land, Iran."

Iran forces fire at protesting homes in west Tehran

The raid and death threats behind loudspeakers shook the middle-class neighborhood where residents have been chanting anti-government slogans from windows.

President Ebrahim Raisi (R) kisses the Koran in the presence of Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejeie.

Iran judiciary calls for end to protests

Iran’s judiciary chief is the latest official to call for an end to protests.

People hold up placards during a rally in support of the demonstrations in Iran, at The Place de la Republique in Paris, on Oct. 29, 2022.

IRGC warns Iran protesters as unrest enters seventh week

Despite the warning, the protests swelled, and faced an escalation in violent police raids on funerals, campuses and dormitories.

Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Analysis

Are Iran’s protests different this time?

Protesters hope to bring change, maybe even to the regime, but it's not yet visible.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

Iran protest

Iran police attack mourners at teenage protester’s grave

The protesters had gathered to mark 40 days since the 16-year-old girl died under disputed circumstances.

An Iranian arrives for the opening day of the Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF) in the Iranian capital on Oct. 19, 2021.

Iran film festival faces membership suspension and withdrawals amid unrest

The Tehran International Short Film Festival’s credibility hangs in the balance after the international Short Film Conference found its board supportive of “disgraceful government actions” during the Iran uprisings and suspended its membership in response.

Iran protest

Analysis

The Takeaway: US weighs options amid Iran’s protest crackdown

The Biden administration has rolled out new sanctions on Iranian officials linked to the widening crackdown on protesters, but is facing pressure to do more from activists who want the regime toppled.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Andrew Parasiliti

By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti

Iran drones

Iran denies its drones are being used in Ukraine war

Iran's foreign minister warned Europe against taking an "unconstructive" path with further sanctions.

Iran protest

Breaking | Last Updated: October 26, 2022, 12:41 pm

US targets Iranian officials with new wave of sanctions

The sanctions targeting 14 individuals and three entities came as Iranian mourners marked 40 days since Mahsa Amini’s death in custody.