Breaking News

Kian Sharifi

Kian Sharifi is a feature writer specializing in Iranian affairs in RFE/RL's Central Newsroom in Prague. He got his start in journalism at the Financial Tribune, an English-language newspaper published in Tehran, where he worked as an editor. He then moved to BBC Monitoring, where he led a team of journalists who closely watched media trends and analyzed key developments in Iran and the wider region.

SharifiK@rferl.org

Also by Kian Sharifi

February 21, 2025
Iran Watches U.S.-Russia Talks With Apprehension

This week's Farda Briefing looks at concerns in Tehran that Russia might sell Iran out in order to get a good deal with the United States.
February 20, 2025
Why Is Saudi Arabia Seeking To Mediate A Deal Between U.S. And Iran?

Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered to mediate talks between its rival Iran and ally the United States. Analysts say the Saudis are driven by ensuring stability in the region and a desire to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
February 15, 2025
Can Israel Destroy Iran's Nuclear Program?

With Tehran resisting talks with the United States, Israel is said to be planning an attack on Iran’s nuclear program. Israel has shown it can penetrate deep inside Iranian territory, but the jury is out on whether it can destroy its nuclear program on its own.
February 14, 2025
The Farda Briefing: Energy-Rich Iran Can't Keep The Lights On

This week's Farda Briefing looks at Iran's continuing struggle with blackouts and how it is frustrating a public already at its limit.
February 11, 2025
Public Anger Rises As Iran's Economy Worsens

Iranians are up in arms as the country’s economic struggles worsen and the supreme leader appeared to reject negotiations with the United States.
February 09, 2025
China Is Iran's Top Oil Customer. Can Trump Use Sanctions To Change That?

he Trump administration has imposed its first sanctions on Iran since vowing to escalate a "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran to bring it to the negotiating table to reach a nuclear deal. Realizing that goal will require curbing Iranian exports that go to its top customer: China.
February 07, 2025
Trump Brings Back 'Maximum Pressure' -- And Offers Iran An Olive Branch

This week's Farda Briefing looks into U.S. President Donald Trump’s seemingly reluctant return to his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran and his statement saying he explicitly desires a “verified nuclear peace agreement” with Tehran.
February 05, 2025
Why Trump's Gaza Proposal Is Stirring Global Controversy

Middle Eastern nations, the EU, Russia, and China have reacted, mostly negatively, to Donald Trump's suggestion that the United States would be "taking over" the Gaza Strip.
February 05, 2025
Why Trump's Gaza Takeover Proposal Has Drawn Strong Reactions Worldwide

U.S. allies and adversaries alike have strongly criticized President Donald Trump's proposal to displace Gaza residents, paving the way for a U.S. takeover of the enclave.
February 05, 2025
Eyeing Regional Powers, Syria Is Freezing Iran Out

Since seizing power in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa has hosted dozens of foreign delegations and made Saudi Arabia and Turkey his first two destinations as interim president. Notably absent from these engagements is Iran, now watching its rivals vie for influence in what was once its strategic backyard.
February 03, 2025
Will Trump's Gaza Proposal Sink Or Save The Two-State Solution?

U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to move Gazans to Jordan and Egypt, if implemented, could upend any prospects of a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The plan is “extreme,” but some argue it could compel Arab states to counter it with their own solution.
January 31, 2025
The Farda Briefing: Iran Wants To Negotiate With U.S., But What Will It Concede?

This edition of the Farda Briefing explores Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's recent comments on engaging the United States and whether Iran is ready to make big concessions.
January 24, 2025
The Farda Briefing: Iran Talks Tough But Signals Openness For Negotiations With U.S.

This edition of The Farda Briefing delves into how Iran's top brass is signaling that Tehran is open to talks with the United States as Donald Trump returns to the White House.
January 24, 2025
Iran Is Weaker, More Vulnerable Than Ever After String Of Blows

Iran worked for decades to build its network of proxies and allied states to counter the U.S. and Israel. But the past year has seen so-called axis of resistance crumble, diminishing Iran’s regional influence and strength. How was the axis formed and how did Iran get to where it is today?
January 17, 2025
Who Is Ahmed Al-Awda, The Man Who Could Be A Threat To Syria's New Rulers?

Will former rebel leader Ahmad al-Awda's rising profile and growing ties with Arab states that oppose Syria's new Islamist rulers make him a threat?
January 15, 2025
Israel, Hamas Agree Cease-Fire Deal, Although Much 'Uncertainty' Remains

Israel and the U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas have reached a multiphase cease-fire deal that includes the exchange of hostages and 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
January 14, 2025
Lebanon Names ICJ Chief As Prime Minister In Latest Blow To Iran

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has designated Nawaf Salam, the head of the International Court of Justice, as the country’s new prime minister in another blow to Iran’s declining regional influence.
January 14, 2025
Russia Targets Ukraine's Key Lithium Reserves

Russia has seized control of some of Ukraine’s prized lithium reserves since it launched its all-out invasion in 2022, potentially depriving Kyiv of a key economic resource.
January 10, 2025
Election Of New Lebanese President Signals Iran's Waning Influence

Lebanese lawmakers have elected army chief Joseph Aoun as the country’s new president, ending a two-year gridlock in a clear sign of the weakening of Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed political party and military force that had scuttled past efforts to name a president.
January 10, 2025
Iran In 'Critical Situation' After Punishing Year At Home And Abroad

Last year was one to forget for Iran as the country’s clerical establishment suffered a series of setbacks at home and abroad. Analysts say without major shifts in policy, the new year will only worsen matters for a vulnerable Iran.

XS

SM

MD

LG