-
Jafar Panahi, an acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, has won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for his film 'It Was Just an Accident,' made clandestinely in Iran after his release from prison. The film explores themes of revenge and state violence, reflecting Panahi's ongoing defiance of censorship and political repression.
-
In Iran, visible protests against mandatory hijab laws have increased, especially in Tehran, where women are increasingly forgoing head coverings. Authorities are responding with calls for social control, citing foreign influence and social anomalies, amid ongoing tensions following protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in 2022.
-
Iran's government is relaxing visible social restrictions amid protests, but secretly intensifies political repression. Activists report harassment, arrests, and increased executions, as the regime faces economic and regional crises. The strategy aims to soothe public opinion while suppressing dissent.
-
In Iran, women face strict restrictions on public performances, but 42-year-old Faryoussefi has broken barriers by conducting an orchestra. Her performance signals a potential shift in social openness amid ongoing protests and government tensions. The event was widely attended and celebrated as a historic moment for women's emancipation.
-
Iranian authorities have filed a criminal case against organizers of a marathon on Kish Island after images showed women running without hijab. Over 5,000 participated, violating strict dress laws. The event drew condemnation from conservative outlets, amid ongoing tensions over hijab enforcement since 2022 protests.
-
On December 12, 2025, Iranian authorities detained Nobel laureate and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi in Mashhad during a memorial for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who died under unclear circumstances. Mohammadi, temporarily released in 2024 for medical reasons, was arrested alongside other activists amid Iran's crackdown on dissent. Her family reports she was beaten and threatened, accused of collaborating with Israel, a charge carrying the death penalty.
-
Iran is under global scrutiny after reports of executions of women and activists, including a mother sentenced to death for protesting with a banner. UN rights experts and world leaders demand an immediate halt, citing violations of fair trial standards and human rights laws.
-
Since Sunday, protests sparked by Iran's economic crisis have spread from Tehran to over 60 cities, involving shopkeepers, students, and ethnic minorities. Clashes with security forces have resulted in at least 15 deaths, including a Basij militia member, and hundreds of arrests. Authorities have responded with a mix of conciliatory gestures and force amid soaring inflation and currency collapse.
-
A 21-year-old Basij volunteer was killed during protests in Iran, marking the first confirmed death since demonstrations began. The protests, driven by economic hardship, have expanded across multiple provinces, prompting fears of a harsher government crackdown amid inflation and currency devaluation.
-
As of January 4, 2026, Iran faces its largest protests in three years, sparked by economic collapse and soaring inflation. At least six protesters and security personnel have died in clashes across western provinces. US President Donald Trump warned via social media that the US is "locked and loaded" to intervene if Iran violently suppresses protesters. Iranian officials condemned the threat, warning of regional destabilization.
-
Protests across Iran's provinces have escalated, with at least 10 deaths reported since Thursday. Demonstrators demand economic relief amid currency collapse and drought. Iran's leadership acknowledges protests but condemns 'riots,' while US warns of potential intervention.