Kian Sharifi

Khamenei's Bunker Leadership: What Does It Mean For Iran's Future?

As Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vanished into a bunker during the Iran-Israel war, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps stepped into the spotlight. Did his absence expose deep cracks in Iran’s leadership -- and set the stage for a new era of military dominance?

Khamenei’s Untimely Disappearing Act

This edition of the Farda Briefing looks at how Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei effectively vanished during the course of 12-day war with Israel and what impact his absence may have on his image.

12 Days Of War: Takeaways From The Israel-Iran Conflict

After 12 days of direct conflict marked by air strikes and missile attacks, Israel and Iran have agreed to a cease-fire. Both sides claim success, but experts say Iran’s nuclear program remains partially intact, deterrence has weakened, and the risk of future escalation has not been eliminated.

Analysis: Iran's Attack On US Air Base In Qatar Highly Symbolic

The Iranian missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was a highly symbolic act, carefully calibrated to send a message of resolve while avoiding a broader and more destructive conflict.

What Comes Next: Iran's Options After US Strikes On Its Nuclear Sites

After US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Tehran faces pressure to respond without triggering all-out war. Experts warn of risky options, from proxy attacks to threats against the Strait of Hormuz -- each with potential to ignite a broader regional conflict.

Why Does The Strait Of Hormuz Matter?

After US air strikes on its nuclear sites, Tehran is threatening to shut the Strait of Hormuz -- a move that could send oil prices soaring and trigger global fallout. Here's what’s at stake.

Iran, Israel, And The High-Stakes Gamble Of Intervention

This edition of the Farda Briefing looks the debate on whether using force to bring about political change in Iran realistic or misguided.

Is Military Intervention In Iran A Viable Path To Regime Change?

As tensions with Tehran persist, some continue to float the idea of using force to bring about political change in Iran. But is a military-driven strategy realistic or dangerously misguided? Experts weigh in on the feasibility, risks, and long-term consequences of intervention.

What’s Israel’s Endgame In Iran?

As tensions with Tehran persist, some continue to float the idea of using force to bring about political change in Iran. But is a military-driven strategy realistic or dangerously misguided? Experts weigh in on the feasibility, risks, and long-term consequences of intervention.

Iran's Fordow Nuclear Facility: A Target Too Deep For Israeli Weapons Alone

Buried deep beneath a mountain, Iran’s Fordow nuclear site is one of the hardest targets in the world to hit. Israel’s weapons likely can’t reach it -- only the United States has the bomb and aircraft capable of striking it. But using them could trigger a wider regional conflict.

Why Is Iran's Fordow Nuclear Facility Hard To Destroy?

Deep beneath the mountains near the city of Qom lies one of Iran’s most heavily guarded nuclear sites: the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.

A Day Later, Watchdog Says Iranians Still Largely Cut Off From Internet By Authorities

Large swathes of Iran have been without Internet access for more than a day due to an outage imposed by state authorities as many people inside the country scramble for information amid air attacks from Israel.

Tehran On Edge As Tensions Rise Over Israeli Strikes In Iran

When Israel issued a warning to residents of one of Tehran's most upscale and densely populated areas, District 3, to evacuate saying it intended to carry out air strikes in the area, already heightened anxiety rose even further.

Iran Threatens Nuclear Exit And Oil Choke Point As War With Israel Escalates

As Israel escalates strikes on Iranian targets, Tehran is weighing a dramatic response: withdrawing from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and possibly closing the Strait of Hormuz -- moves that could further destabilize the region and disrupt global oil flows.

What Is Uranium Enrichment?

At What Stage Is The Iranian Nuclear Program?

Did you know that the same technology used to power a city can also be used to build a nuclear bomb? It's uranium enrichment, a process at the heart of the ongoing debate around Iran’s nuclear program.

Why Did Israel Attack Iran?

Israel launched a major attack on Iran -- saying it had no choice but to act before Tehran could build a nuclear weapon. Was it enough to stop Iran’s nuclear program?

Who Were The 8 Iranian Generals Killed In The Israeli Attack?

Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed eight top Iranian military officers, including three from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Israel's Attack On Iran Stuns Military But Could Empower Tehran's Nuclear Drive

Israel’s surprise strike on Iran, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, stunned Tehran’s military leadership but left key nuclear sites intact. As fears of regional war grow, analysts warn the attack may undermine diplomacy -- and give Iran justification to abandon nonproliferation commitments.

Nuclear Tensions Simmer As Iran, US Can't Even Agree On When To Argue

The US and Iran can't agree on a date for key nuclear talks as tensions rise. Iran readies a counterproposal while the IAEA weighs a noncompliance ruling. Tehran's claim of seized Israeli nuclear files adds to fears of retaliation and conflict in the region.