( RFE/ RL ) – Amid soaring temperatures, power blackouts, and widespread water rationing, Pezeshkian painted a grim picture of the nation’s water woes. He warned that “there won’t be any water in the dams by September or October.” Pezeshkian described the situation as “a serious and unimaginable crisis,” pointing to depleted reservoirs and underground […]
Iran’s President Says Rebuilding Nuclear Sites Futile Without Talks With Washington
( RFE / RL ) – Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has warned that his country faces the risk of further conflict with the United States unless diplomacy is pursued. Speaking at a meeting with media executives on August 10, Pezeshkian criticized opponents of talks with Washington over Tehran’s nuclear program, saying the United States would […]
Tehran On The Brink: Can Iran Survive Its Water Crisis?
By Kian Sharifi ( RFE/ RL ) – Worsening Water Crisis: Iran is experiencing a deepening water crisis that has forced authorities to impose widespread water cuts, with dam reservoirs across the country dropping to their lowest levels in decades. Drought, mismanagement, and mounting climate challenges are causing major disruptions to daily life for millions […]
12 Days Of War: Takeaways From The Israel-Iran Conflict
By Kian Sharifi ( RFE/ RL) – After 12 days of unprecedented direct hostilities, Israel and Iran have agreed to a cease-fire that has brought a tense and uneasy calm to the region. The war, marked by devastating air strikes, missile barrages, and covert operations, has left both countries reeling. While the immediate fighting […]
Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility: A Target Too Deep For Israeli Weapons Alone
By Kian Sharifi ( RFE/ RL ) – Deep beneath the mountains near the city of Qom lies one of Iran’s most heavily guarded nuclear sites: the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Designed to survive even the most powerful air strikes, Fordow has become a focal point in Israel’s escalating concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. But […]
Cheers And Jeers As Cannes-Winning Director Jafar Panahi Returns To Iran
By RFE/RL’s Radio Farda ( RFE/ RL ) – The awarding of the prestigious Palme d’Or to It Was Just An Accident, the latest film by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, has sparked widespread reactions in Iran and across the global Iranian diaspora. The accolade at the 78th Cannes Film Festival marks a significant milestone for […]
As US Pushes For Zero Enrichment, Iran Insists It Won’t Give Up Nuclear Program
By RFE/RL’s Radio Farda and Kian Sharifi ( RFE/RL ) – US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff declared that the Donald Trump administration’s “red line” in the nuclear talks with Iran is Tehran’s ability to enrich uranium at any level, prompting Iran to say it will continue enrichment “with or without a deal.” “We cannot allow […]
Iran, US Conclude ‘Difficult But Useful’ Round Of Nuclear Talks In Oman
By RFE/RL’s Radio Farda ( RFE/ RL ) – The fourth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States has ended in Muscat, with Tehran suggesting a new round will be scheduled by Omani mediators. Iranian Foreign Minister spokesman Esmail Baqaei wrote on X that the talks on May 11 were “difficult but […]
The Economic Fallout From Deadly Blast At Iran’s ‘Golden Gateway’ Of Trade
By Kian Sharifi I’m RFE/RL correspondent Kian Sharifi. In this edition, I’m looking at the potential economic impact of a massive explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port and whether it will impact Iranian trade and hopes for foreign investment. What You Need To Know ( RFE/ RL ) – • Trade Braces For ‘Shock’ After […]