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Chicago Tribune
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Pegah Banihashemi: What possibility is there for true reform in Iran?
A few weeks after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, several published statements have called for a referendum and a transition beyond the Islamic Republic. One of these, signed by 800 domestic and international activists, was issued by Mir Hossein Mousavi, formerly the prime minister during the Iran-Iraq war. Mousavi was also the leader of the Green Movement, running as a presidential candidate in 2009 against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. After alleging electoral fraud, he was placed under house arrest along with his wife, Zahra Rahnavard, where they remain to this day. Once close to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Mousavi later became politically aligned with Iran's reformist camp — and now, he is calling for a complete transition away from the Islamic Republic, explicitly demanding a referendum. At the same time, prominent activists — all either imprisoned or under security surveillance outside prison — have issued a statement. Signatories such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi and human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh are longtime fighters who have spent years moving between prison and freedom. Both statements express worry and a fear of worsening conditions. Meanwhile, some political officials have told the state-owned Press TV: 'Our intelligence indicates Washington seeks talks to prepare for war, not peace. If so, we see no reason to waste time and would rather focus on preparing for conflict.' One member of the Iranian parliament claimed on national television that the United States and Israel had already suffered heavy blows from Iran's military and insisted it is America — not Iran — that stands on the brink of collapse. He went on to mock the performance of the U.S. B-2 bomber and ridicule its military capabilities. On the other hand, ordinary Iranians — still in shock from the outbreak of war — believe the conflict may not be over and that the risk of the ceasefire collapsing is high. Tehran, a megacity of nearly 10 million people, faces daily crises such as electricity and water cuts. The dams around Tehran are running dry, and many residents in recent weeks have gone days without water or adequate water pressure. This situation is echoed in many other parts of yearslong energy crisis, worsened by government mismanagement, has led the government spokesperson to urge Tehran residents to travel out of the city; to ease the crisis, the government has even announced an extra holiday to encourage people to leave Tehran. In the midst of all these hardships, the issuing of these statements seeks to provide people with a sliver of hope for change. Former professor Hatam Ghaderi says that while he does not support a referendum — since, in his view, demanding a referendum is unrealistic when the regime remains firmly in power — he sees such calls as a means to apply pressure on the government, signal that public discontent exists and open up political thinking among the public. However, the majority of Iranians look at any prospect of political change with skepticism and doubt. The reality is that some are so stunned by the war and fearful of foreign domination over Iran that they avoid any political movement. Others, on social media, openly say they wish Israel had finished the job — that the war should have continued until at least it led to the removal of the regime's leaders. Meanwhile, some are staunch supporters of the current regime, participating in state-organized rallies to demonstrate their full backing of the government. Abroad, supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, are also active. Yet none of the political parties or groups, inside or outside Iran, seem to have enough weight to attract the majority needed to drive major and fundamental political change, as happened in the 1979 revolution that toppled the monarchy and established the Islamic Republic. The Iranian regime, at every political juncture, has brutally suppressed peaceful protests, killing, imprisoning or executing thousands. Yet the core of Iran's civil society continues to show its presence through these statements, signaling that there is still a faint flame to be kindled, still an invitation to converge and unify. Although various media outlets have covered these statements, there has been no tangible movement from the public beyond that. Still, while continuing along the path of past civil society efforts, it is also necessary to seek new solutions. Over the past decades, the political faction known as the 'Reformists' — those loyal to the Islamic Republic but critical from within — have been part of the system and at times have held government positions. Figures such as Mousavi and many of the signatories of both statements come from this reformist camp. Although people have voted for reformist candidates to prevent hard-line loyalists to the supreme leader from gaining power, today, there is little optimism even toward the reformists. In fact, the civil society seems to prefer complete silence over any political reaction. Contrary to some predictions that Israel's attacks would spark political protests, no demonstrations have taken place. So what might awaken this silence into movement? In my view as a scholar of democracy and constitutional law, the answer lies in forging a new coalition — one that unites seasoned reformist insiders, well versed in the mechanics of power, with independent, battle-tested figures who have risked and sacrificed in pursuit of genuine change. This New Reformists movement must ambitiously seek to draw in academics, intellectuals, professionals and independent entrepreneurs — and, crucially, extend its reach to a broad spectrum of elite voices. Should it succeed in forging even a tentative alliance with monarchist factions, the political momentum it could unleash could prove formidable. Such a coalition has the potential to galvanize the public, revitalize civic engagement and chart a path toward profound transformation in the Islamic Republic — a transformation not born of war or foreign interference, but of domestic resolve and reimagined purpose. In such a moment, the long-silent majority may rediscover its agency, restoring fragile public trust and reigniting a spirit of collective action, under the banner of the New Reformists, untethered from the burdens and betrayals of the past.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Gunmen storm judiciary headquarters in Zahedan, killing six
ZAHEDEAN, Iran — At least six people were killed and 22 others injured on Saturday morning when gunmen attacked the judiciary headquarters in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan, according to official and local media reports. The assault, which was claimed by the militant group Jaish al-Adl, began with gunfire targeting the courthouse before expanding to indiscriminately target civilians in the area. The attack also resulted in damage to citizens' property. Three members of the courthouse security team were killed while defending the building, as reported by Iran's official PressTV. Initial reports indicate that three of the attackers were killed by security forces during the assault. Emergency responders and security units quickly surrounded the courthouse, securing the area. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the attack, though the identities of the victims have not yet been officially disclosed. Zahedan, the capital of the Sistan and Baluchestan province, has been a frequent flashpoint for unrest and violence, often linked to armed groups operating near Iran's borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan. The same group, Jaish al-Adl, previously claimed responsibility for a deadly ambush in October 2024 that killed 10 Iranian law enforcement officers in Taftan County. — Agencies
Muscat Daily
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Iran, E3 countries agree to resume nuclear talks on Friday in Istanbul
Istanbul – Iran and the three European countries of France, Germany and Britain, collectively known as the E3, have agreed to resume nuclear talks this Friday in the Turkish city of Istanbul, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported late Sunday. 'Iran and the European troika – comprising France, Germany and Britain – will resume nuclear negotiations on Friday in Istanbul,' the broadcaster said. Earlier in the day, the outlet reported that the four parties agreed in principle to resume nuclear negotiations next week, without providing details on the time and location. In talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, the top diplomats of the UK, France, Germany and the European Union had emphasized the urgency of returning to diplomacy for a nuclear deal, or else they were prepared to trigger the UN 'snapback' mechanism reimposing international sanctions. Talks between Tehran and the US were being held through Omani mediators until Israel's surprise attack on Iran on June 13, which triggered a 12-day war. The attack came just two days before a planned sixth round of negotiations in the Omani capital Muscat. Iran accused the US of complicity in the Israeli attack, which killed top Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists and civilians. The US also launched strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites, claiming to have obliterated them. A ceasefire took effect on June 24. While the US and Europeans say Iran can never have a nuclear bomb, Tehran argues its program is meant for peaceful use of nuclear power. After the talks with the E3 and EU, Araghchi said it was the US that withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord and any new round of talks is only possible 'when the other side is ready for a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial nuclear deal.' 'If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the 'snap-back' for which they lack absolutely no moral and legal ground,' he said on X. -Agencies
Saudi Gazette
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Iran, European powers agree in principle to resume nuclear talks
TEHRAN — Iran and the European trio — the UK, France, and Germany — have agreed in principle to resume nuclear negotiations next week, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported on Sunday. Citing an informed source, the report said that both sides had agreed to restart talks, though the exact time and venue have yet to be finalized. The diplomatic breakthrough comes after a Thursday meeting between Iran's foreign minister and the top diplomats of the UK, France, Germany, and the European Union, where the Europeans emphasized the urgency of returning to nuclear diplomacy. They warned that failure to engage could lead to the triggering of the United Nations "snapback" mechanism, which would reimpose international sanctions on Tehran. Nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington had been ongoing via Omani mediation until a surprise Israeli airstrike on June 13 targeted multiple sites inside Iran. The strike, which killed senior Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians, also prompted U.S. airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities, which Washington claimed were "obliterated." A 12-day conflict ensued, ending with a ceasefire on June 24. Iran has blamed the U.S. for complicity in the Israeli attack and has since demanded guarantees for any future deal. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes, while Western nations maintain that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons. Following his meeting with the E3 and EU, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that it was the U.S. that abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal. 'Any new round of talks is only possible when the other side is ready for a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial nuclear deal,' Araghchi posted on X. He also warned against the use of pressure tactics: 'If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly, and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the 'snapback' for which they lack absolutely no moral and legal ground.' — Agencies
News18
18-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Iran Intel: US Seeks Talks to "Prepare for War", Israeli Refinery Takes $200M Hit In Missile Strike
Iran will not enter new negotiations with the US under the previous framework or agenda, according to a senior official. The official said that Iran has learnt lessons and therefore demands any negotiations must be consistent with the security realities of the region.'For now, we think the purpose of the negotiations is to disarm Iran to make up for Israel's weakness in the next war,' the official said, as per Press TV. The official added that any new round of talks must include 'serious and practical guarantees' to ensure the process is not a cover for security The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has warned that any renewed US-Israeli 'aggression would be met with an even more devastating response.' The remarks come a day after Iran's top military commanders warned they 'are fully prepared to resume combat from exactly where it stopped.' n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION2:22 IRAN WARNS EU ON SNAPBACK SANCTIONS3:28 IRAN'S FORCES 'FULLY PREPARED TO RESUME COMBAT' IF…4:26 ISRAEL'S HAIFA REFINERY SUSTAINS $200 MN DAMAGE IN IRANIAN ATTACK6:02 IRAN BOASTS OF 'INTEL PENETRATION INTO ZIONIST REGIME'8:00 IRAN SLAMS ISRAEL'S 'DANGEROUS AGGRESSION' AGAINST SYRIA
