Rouhani goes to Iraq to boost trade, assert authority at home

President Hassan Rouhani’s landmark visit to Iraq is not just about expanding trade to deflect US pressure on the Iranian economy, but also to boost his administration’s standing in Tehran.

Iraq

Iraqi officials stress need to boost Arab ties while balancing relations with Iran

Iraqi officials and their Arab counterparts at the 2019 Sulaimaniyah Forum called for turning toward other Arab states while balancing relations with Tehran.

Saudi Arabia

Did Iran ever stop funding Hamas?

Iran has reportedly resumed its aid to the Palestinian Hamas movement, after years of estrangement over regional issues.

Palestine

Khatami: Lost Reformist votes will go to regime changers

Former Iranian Reformist President Mohammad Khatami said it is unlikely that Iranians will turn out to vote in large numbers unless there are reforms within the next year.

Iran

Iran education lags despite nominal budget gains

Iran’s educational system is under increasing strain as small increases in budget allocations and teacher salaries fail to catch up with chronic deficits.

Iran

Iran spy services claim infiltration of foreign-based opposition in new series

Iran's state broadcaster is airing a documentary series to show off the country’s intelligence services’ infiltration of the foreign-based opposition.

Iran

Why artists are speaking up against ‘dirty money’ in Iranian cinema

The increasing emergence of “dirty money” in Iranian cinema has sparked an outcry among artists, producers and directors, who are urging action to stop the phenomenon from ruining the industry.

Iran

US government no longer excludes MEK as leadership option for Iran

The group, once on a State Department list of terrorist organizations, has influential supporters in the Donald Trump administration.

United States

As Iran mulls joining financial watchdog, Israel sees win-win situation

If Iran joins the FATF anti-money laundering organization, the Islamic Republic might find it harder to fund militant organizations in the region, but if Iran does not join, it may lose what few international banking connections it already has.

Israel

Exodus by big firms pushes Iran toward smaller Chinese enterprises

To mitigate the impact of harsh US sanctions, Iran is increasingly turning to China by dispatching high-ranking delegations to Beijing to augment trade. But China is also mindful not to cross the red lines drawn by the United States.

United States

Iran's government under fire for subsidizing pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia

The Iranian government’s decision to subsidize the hajj pilgrimage has fueled anger among many Iranians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Iran

Some Iranian Reformists welcome new hard-line judiciary chief

Although many Reformists are not likely to be enthusiastic that Ebrahim Raisi has been named as Iran's judiciary chief, some Reformists are welcoming him.

Iran