Islamic republic
Iran's Hostage Diplomacy: A Decades-Long Strategy to Extract Concessions from Western Nations
Nov 06, 2025 02:32 am CST
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has consistently employed what experts call "hostage diplomacy" - detaining Western citizens to leverage concessions from adversaries. This strategic pattern continues today, with numerous Europeans and Americans detained on dubious charges while Tehran negotiates for asset unfreezing, prisoner exchanges, or other diplomatic concessions. Despite recent releases, many foreign nationals remain in Iranian custody, prompting calls for coordinated international responses beyond the current "piecemeal" approach.
Iranian Official's Daughter's Strapless Wedding Dress Sparks Hypocrisy Claims Against Regime's Hijab Laws
Oct 21, 2025 05:12 pm CST
A recent controversy in Iran exposes apparent double standards as footage of senior official Ali Shamkhani's daughter's lavish wedding featuring a strapless gown circulates online, while ordinary women face harsh punishment for modest hijab violations. The scandal highlights tensions between the Islamic Republic's strict public enforcement of modesty laws and the private lives of its elite.
Iran's Clerical Regime Faces Critical Dilemma: Nuclear Deal Standoff and Economic Isolation Threaten Stability
Sep 28, 2025 02:32 pm CST
Iran's clerical leadership confronts a critical existential crisis as renewed UN sanctions deepen the country's economic isolation. Caught between domestic discontent and international pressure over its nuclear program, the regime must navigate threats of Israeli strikes, internal political divisions, and mounting public anger over deteriorating economic conditions that have pushed inflation to 40-50%. Without diplomatic breakthrough, experts warn the Islamic Republic's stability hangs in precarious balance.
Iran Executed Over 1,000 People In 2025, Highest In 17 Years: NGO
Sep 23, 2025 08:07 pm CST
Iran has executed at least 1,000 people so far in 2025, an NGO said on Tuesday, denouncing a "mass killing campaign" in prisons in the Islamic republic.