Originally published in TIME magazine on March 14, 2026. I knew he was watching. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s portrait is everywhere in Iran. His head is usually turned slightly away, while
Originally published in the Boston Review on March 3, 2026. An interview with sociologist Asef Bayat on the U.S.-Israeli war, democratic opposition to the Islamic Republic, and the country’s uncertain
Published on Truthout on January 15, 2026. Iran has been under a government-imposed internet blackout for the last week, and very little information has emerged. What we do know is
Originally published on The Public Source on August 14, 2025. On the morning of Thursday, June 12, Tehran moved to its familiar rhythms. Students crammed for finals in packed cafés and
Originally published in The Boston Review on August 6, 2025. Translated to Persian for Political and Economic Critique and Spanish for Nexos. When Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran
Originally published on Truthout on July 2, 2025. Translated to Spanish for Nexos. Iranians are waking up from what feels like a nightmare. For 12 days, Israel bombarded their country
Originally broadcast on Al Jazeera’s The Talk on June 30, 2025. Israel’s bombs have stopped, but grief and fear linger in Iran. As families search the rubble for loved ones,
Originally published in Newsweek on June 20, 2025. Every night for the last week, my family in Tehran wakes up to the Earth shaking as missiles strike and children scream.