CHRI – A new report just released by the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) and the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) reveals shocking state violence by Islamic Republic security forces against unarmed civilians in the predominantly Kurdish city of Javanrud, which occurred during the protests that shook Iran in the fall of 2022. The 100-page report, “Massacre in Javanrud: State Atrocities Against …

Al-Monitor – Saudi Arabia’s ambassador arrived in Iran on Tuesday, marking another milestone in the improved Saudi-Iran relationship. Ambassador Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi said that Saudi leadership “confirms the importance of strengthening relations and increasing communication and meetings between the kingdom and Iran” upon his arrival to Tehran, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. The official Islamic Republic News Agency also …

Al-Monitor – Iranian authorities closed down the pro-reform news agency Entekhab late Monday after it published a video clip criticizing the foreign policy agenda of hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi.    The decision was announced by the state regulatory body, known as the Press Supervisory Board, after it found the news agency to be “acting against Iran’s national interests and the Islamic Republic’s …

iranintl – A former counter-terrorism advisor to two Israeli prime ministers triggered an intense debate about whether Iranian proxies will attack Israel in September or October. There is, however, disagreement within Israel’s security and defense establishment over a planned Iran-backed attack against the Jewish state.  Yigal Carmon, the founder of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) and one of …

RFL/RE – Behrouz Chamanara, a professor at Kurdistan University in western Iran, has been dismissed following a directive from the Ministry of Intelligence as officials continue to attack academics for their support of protests over the death of a young woman in police custody for allegedly wearing her head scarf improperly. The Student Guild Councils of Iran said on its Telegram channel …

Iranwire – Iranian security forces have arrested an uncle of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman whose death in police custody nearly a year ago led to months of nationwide anti-establishment protests. Security agents raided on September 5 the private residence of Safa Aeli in the western city of Saqqez and took him to an undisclosed location. The Iranian authorities, fearing …

Iranwire – The Iranian judiciary has charged a retired labor activist from northern Gilan province of “waging war against God” and “propaganda activity” against the Islamic Republic, the Coordinating Council of Trade Unions has said.  It said that Younes Azadbar was informed about the accusations against him during a court session held on August 31 without the presence of his …

Iranwire – Uniting the Democratic Opposition to the Islamic Republic is a Riddle that has Evaded Us for 44 Years A year after the murder in custody of Mahsa Jina Amini – arrested by the Islamic Republic’s morality police for inappropriate hijab – it seems the world has moved on. But the fire of the revolutionary protests that broke out …

Iranwire – Saudi Pro League clubs will travel to Iran to feature in the Asian Champions League after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that matches between teams from the two regional rivals would be played on a home-and-away basis for the first time in years. The move means international football stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema will play in …

Iranwire – In the lead-up to the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody, Iranian authorities are increasing security measures in her hometown of Saqqez, western Kurdisatn province. Security forces have installed cameras in the streets, squares and even at, Amini’s last resting place, in an attempt to deter residents from returning to the streets and participating in …