Most recent articles by Ali Sadrzadeh
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Charting the history of Iran sanctionsThe Islamic Republic's never-ending labour pains
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been subject to sanctions ever since its creation in 1979. The more the regime has entrenched itself and expanded its power in the region, the more sophisticated the sanctions have become, effectively crippling the country. Will they ever end? Ali Sadrzadeh traces their history
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COVID-19 in IranPower, identity and the coronavirus
The coronavirus is changing everything, forcing cancellation of the usual shows of force and mass religious events seen as indispensable to the rulers of the Islamic Republic. A new age is dawning in Iran: a virtual age. By Ali Sadrzadeh
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Shia "axis of resistance"Khamenei's Final Solution provocation to mark Quds Day
The anti-Israeli Quds Day did not take place this year – a first both for Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah. While Hezbollah leader Nasrallah sees his organisation in a state of siege, revolutionary leader Khamenei resorted to blatant provocation. By Ali Sadrzadeh
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COVID-19 epidemic in IranFaith and the coronavirus
The "holy" city of Qom, the centre of Shia scholarship, was the starting point of the corona epidemic in Iran. The ayatollahs vehemently and successfully resisted quarantine and the virus spread rapidly throughout the country. But corona is not the plague, Iran is not in the Middle Ages and the virus is not divine retribution. By Ali Sadrzadeh
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Parliamentary elections 2020 in IranEra of the Khamenei vassals
Once again there was not much to vote for in the Islamic Republic. Half of the candidates were excluded anyway. But for Khamenei, the election was part of a larger plan, namely full-scale preparation for an uncertain future. By Ali Sadrzadeh
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Israeli attacks on bases in IraqIs war with Iran on the horizon?
So far, Iraq has always been neutral in the face of a possible war between Iran and the USA. But recent Israeli air raids on Iranian bases in Iraq reveal a different reality: Tehran's rulers apparently can no longer count on the neutrality of its neighbouring country, writes Ali Sadrzadeh
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Rising tension in the Middle EastWhere are the USA and Iran heading?
Now the nuclear agreement in its present form no longer applies to Iran either. On Sunday it began enriching uranium beyond the 3.67 percent mark, thus exceeding the limit set by the agreement. Meanwhile, the economy is in ruins, poverty is spreading and Iranian security forces have announced tough action against possible protests. By Ali Sadrzadeh
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U.S.-Iranian tensionIranʹs wartime commander
Once mocked as the "commander of the gossips" because he spread crazy ideas about the West in TV talk shows, Hossein Salami is now the new head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The appointment of this – at least verbally – radical man took place shortly after Trump declared the corps a terrorist organisation. By Ali Sadrzadeh
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The Republic of Iran turns fortyA theocracy at the crossroads
In its 40th year, the Islamic Republic of Iran is in a state of disintegration, says one of the country's strategists. The theocracy has arrived at a crossroads and the world cannot be indifferent to its future direction. Essay by Ali Sadrzadeh
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German–Iranian relationsHow the Germans came to Iran
During the First World War, the German Empire allegedly attempted to incite Muslims to engage in a holy war against Russia and Great Britain. This common cliche is also often used to explain the long-standing relationship between Germany and Iran. Ali Sadrzadeh takes a closer look at German–Iranian relations 100 years ago
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U.S. sanctions against IranThe lonely "axis of evil"
In the new Cold War between the USA and the Islamic Republic the theocracy is taking on the status of the defunct Soviet Union, writes Ali Sadrzadeh. Tehranʹs powerbrokers have, however, come up with several strategies to counter Trump's tightened sanctions policy
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The Islamic Republic turns 39At risk of Syrianisation?
Was the recent unrest in Iran merely a harbinger of a bigger political quake? Prominent sociologists and political scientists are predicting some more extensive social shock waves. And one man who made his name during the revolution has offered his apologies to the Iranian people. By Ali Sadrzadeh