IRAN

TEHRAN — On Tuesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei voiced deep skepticism about negotiations with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program, asserting that such talks are unlikely to produce meaningful outcomes. His remarks coincided with the Iranian parliament’s ratification of a sweeping 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Russia,…

TEHRAN — An Armenian national, Hakop Gochumyan, has been serving a 10-year sentence at Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison since February 2024, after being convicted on what rights groups condemn as “unfounded” charges of “deviant proselytising.” His latest appeal for a retrial was rejected this week, prompting fresh international calls for…

DARAMSUQ — As the world commemorates International Workers’ Day on 1 May , or May Day, organizations in Syria and Iraq issued statements honoring the resilience and contributions of workers while reaffirming their commitment to labor rights and equality. The Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d’Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) extended warm…

BAGHDAD —  New Lines Magazine has highlighted the gradual disappearance of the Mandaeans, one of the oldest religious communities in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia). In “The Weight of Gold: A Mandaean Journey“, journalist Nora Adin Fares, who lives in Sweden but of Mandaean origin, describes how post-Saddam Hussein violence has led…

WASHINGTON — As high-level talks between the United States and Iran approach in Oman, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged President Donald Trump’s administration to prioritize addressing Iran’s ongoing violations of religious freedom. The independent, bipartisan commission has highlighted the “egregious” persecution of religious minorities in…

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON, D.C. —  During an interview on X with Tucker Carlson, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Envoy to the Middle East Stephen Witkoff said that the U.S. is working to avoid armed conflict with Iran by building bridges of trust. Witkoff declared that the recent message sent by Trump to Iran…

WASHINGTON, DC / TEHRAN — US President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, giving a two-month deadline for Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear agreement, Axios reported, citing informed sources. The letter, reportedly firm in tone, outlined Trump’s proposal for a revised deal…

TEHRAN — Over 1,200 individuals from 44 countries have signed a statement demanding an end to the execution of women in Iran, highlighting the urgent cases of two Kurdish political activists facing imminent execution. The statement, endorsed by former political prisoners, women’s rights advocates, and anti-death penalty activists, calls for…

TEHRAN — Iranian authorities carried out 93 executions between 31 July and 30 August, prompting concern from UN experts over the sharp increase in executions last month. The experts have called for an immediate halt to the practice. UN experts highlighted that this figure more than doubles the 45 executions…

LONDON — According to a blacklist published on the British government website, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on Unit 700 of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, which is responsible for smuggling supplies and equipment. Three members of the Quds Force — Abdolfatah Ahvazian, Behnam Shahriyari, and…