Iran and the Presidential ElectionsKamran Matin discusses Iran’s current social and political situation in the light of the approaching presidential elections on June 14. » read more
Presidential Elections in the Political Landscape of IranIranian sociologist Farzin Vahdat discusses the chief players in Iranian politics and provides a general outlook on how the current political streams could flow in the upcoming presidential election of June 14. » read more
Recent government projects: election advertising or environmental threats? The Iranian government has proposed new projects such as building infrastructure in Shahrood’s Abr Forest and opening up oil development in Kavir National Park by issuing exploration permits, and the government’s national development plan promises to donate 2,000 square metres of public land to Iranian families. However, each of these announcements has triggered waves of criticism against the government’s choices. Some critics have described the news as mere propaganda in view of the approaching election, but others are concerned that implementing such projects could do lasting harm to the country’s environment. » read more
Iranian art collector plans contemporary art museum in DubaiProminent Iranian art collector Ramin Salsali is planning to erect a modern art gallery in the heart of Dubai’s commercial centre. The Dubai Museum of Contemporary Art (DMOCA) will be located in the Burj Khalifa district in downtown Dubai and Salsali has announced that he will donate some of his own collection in order to establish the new gallery. » read more
Bushehr’s Earthquake and the Safety of its Atomic PlantThe recent earthquake in Bushehr Province has triggered concern regarding the Bushehr Nuclear Plant. However, just a few hours after the earthquake hit the province, plant officials and the Bushehr governor announced that the nuclear plant has not been in any way damaged. Iran then proceeded to send a report to the International Atomic Energy Agency confirming that the Bushehr Nuclear Plant was indeed undamaged. » read more
National Internet launched, restrictions put on VPN useThe Iranian government is now trying to block the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which provide a secure way of breaking through censorship filters on the internet. In an interview with Radio Zamaneh, telecommunications and internet expert Moahmoud Tajalimehr speaks about the Iranian government’s efforts to block VPN use as a part of its more general plan to create a closed internet space referred to as the “national Internet.” » read more
Soil Protection becoming law in IranAfter two years of discussions, the “Comprehensive Soil bill” aimed at countering soil erosion and pollution in Iran will soon be passed by the Iranian Parliament. » read more
Ping-Pong diplomacy, wrestling diplomacyWrestling World Cup competitions in Tehran recently came to an end and, according to Iranian state media, “valiant men” of the Islamic Republic lifted Americans with their hands and hurled them to the ground. They also defeated the Russians in Freestyle Wrestling and became “world champions.” » read more
Iran’s one and only Geopark dropped from UNESCO listAfter numerous warnings from UNESCO, the geopark at Qeshm Island has been deleted from that organization’s list of Global Geoparks. This is yet another example of Iran’s mismanagement of environmental and natural parks. » read more
One Judge, 130 cases, 80 prisonersThe Mehr News Agency reports that 900,000 cases are presented to the Iranian judiciary on a monthly basis, which adds up to 11 million cases per year. » read more














