Zarif in Brussels: Redefining the EU-Iran Relationship

by Eldar Mamedov When Iran’s then-foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki visited the European Parliament in 2010, his speech in the foreign affairs committee soon degenerated into a shouting match with the MPs. They accused his government of repressing dissent and grievous… Continue Reading

Sanctions Lifted But Economic Challenges Remain for Iran

by Djavad Salehi-Isfahani If there is a big economic payoff to the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the lifting of international sanctions against Iran, the financial markets in Tehran are not yet impressed. The rial… Continue Reading

Parliamentary Drama in Tehran

by Farideh Farhi This week has been one of high drama at Iran’s Parliament (Majles). After the Tuesday passage of a bill giving the government permission to “voluntarily implement” the recent nuclear deal—the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—based on guidelines… Continue Reading

What’s Really behind Khamenei’s Recent Anti-US Statements?

by Shireen Hunter       Last week Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Iran will not allow the United States to try reestablishing its influence in Iran. Taken together with the statement of the hardline managing editor… Continue Reading

Iranian Critics of Deal on the Defensive

by LobeLog’s Tehran correspondent Since the announcement of the nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 on July 14, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not expressed any opposition to the deal. Despite some media reports alleging the contrary,… Continue Reading