In Iran, no room for ‘Happy’
Young Iranians who filmed a version of the viral hit ‘Happy’ were arrested, then released. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini once said, ‘There is no fun in Islam.’
Scott Peterson
On revolution’s anniversary, Iranians ask: Is this what we were promised?
Iranians celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution with rallies in downtown Tehran, but 35 years after overthrowing the shah, the merits of the revolution are still up for debate.
At Davos, Rouhani says Iran is open for business
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani sought to reassure business and political leaders that Iran was committed to a nuclear deal that will lead to a lifting of damaging sanctions.
How far will Iran’s hardliners go to stop Rouhani?
President Rouhani trounced Iran’s hardliners in last year’s election. Sidelined by progress in nuclear talks, they are now turning to intimidation.
Selling the nuclear deal: Iran’s top diplomat pitches at home
Tehran’s lead negotiator in the landmark accord is the face of domestic efforts to sell the deal to ordinary Iranians. Hardliners are watching intently.
All sides declare victory in historic Iran nuclear deal
Iran and the US hailed an accord that temporarily halts Iran’s nuclear program and offers sanctions relief – but holds major political risks for both President Obama and Iran’s President Rouhani.
Geneva negotiators see few options if Iran nuclear talks fail
A third round of talks begins today, and prospects for a deal on Iran’s nuclear program have never been better.
Failure to reach Iran nuclear deal may fortify hardline opponents
French objections helped block talks that appeared close to a preliminary deal. Kerry warned each day of delay meant ‘Iran will continue to enrich, and Iran will continue to put centrifuges in.’
Claims of progress as Iran nuclear talks wrap up
Talks between Iran, the US, and other powers over Iran’s nuclear program ended in Geneva today with no revelations about details, but a pledge to meet again in November.
Ahead of nuclear talks, Iran focused on sanctions
US and Iranian and other officials are gathering in Geneva for talks on the country’s nuclear program this week, but all sides are still groping for an acceptable compromise.
Iran’s Rouhani lashes out at sanctions, hints at nuclear talks
New Iranian President Rouhani told the UN today that US sanctions are a form of ‘belligerence.’ But he also indicated an interest in fresh negotiations.
Leaked Iranian letter warned US that Syrian rebels have chemical weapons
Syrian President Assad’s strongest international backer, Iran, said it has warned the US about chemical weapons in rebel hands for more than a year.
Afghan female military pilot gives wing to young girls’ dreams
2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani recently became Afghanistan’s first female pilot in three decades. But even as she and other women break barriers, many are concerned about life after the 2014 drawdown of Western forces.
Iran’s Rohani vows not to surrender to sanctions
New Iranian President Hassan Rohani, who took the oath of office today, said US-led sanctions would not deter the country from pursuing its nuclear program.
Afghan TV show brings officials face-to-face with ordinary people
President Hamid Karzai and top ministers have appeared on ‘Open Jirga,’ giving Afghans a rare taste of accountability.
Turks still protesting as international media moves on
The heart of Istanbul is still choked in clouds of tear gas from skirmishes between protesters and police.
Rohani vows to reset Iran’s relations with the world
Iran’s President-elect Hassan Rohani said his win was a ‘victory for moderation’ and vowed to soothe tensions with the US and factions inside Iran.
Erdogan’s supporters rally, dismissing Turkish protests as a ‘big game’
By Scott Peterson and Tom A. Peter
Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed hundreds of thousands of his cheering supporters in Istanbul saying, ‘My patience has run out’ with anti-government protests.
Iran votes: Why the Supreme Leader is so desperate to bring out voters
Suffering from a legitimacy crisis after the fraud-tainted, heavily protested 2009 vote, Iran feels immense pressure to demonstrate that people have regained faith in their political system.
Stalled nuclear talks fuel sharp exchange at Iran’s final presidential debate
At a fiery final debate before June 14 elections, Saeed Jalili, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator and a leading candidate, was challenged over ‘missed opportunities.’