Holly Dagres
@hdagres.bsky.social
Iranian-American • Atlantic Council editor + senior fellow, Iran focus • 15 years in MENA • Newsletter: http://theiranist.com (Shares ≠ endorsement)
Reposted by Holly Dagres
As nuclear talks proceed, the president should recall his past acknowledgement that respect for human rights and democracy is “an integral component of U.S. national security,” write @hdagres.bsky.social, Azadeh Pourzand, and Kelly Shannon in @nytopinion.nytimes.com.
Opinion | Trump Shouldn’t Forget the Iranian People
It’s a mistake to leave out human rights when President Trump’s administration sits down with Iran over its nuclear program.
www.nytimes.com
April 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM
As nuclear talks proceed, the president should recall his past acknowledgement that respect for human rights and democracy is “an integral component of U.S. national security,” write @hdagres.bsky.social, Azadeh Pourzand, and Kelly Shannon in @nytopinion.nytimes.com.
Reposted by Holly Dagres
Delighted to share a piece I co-authored with @hdagres.bsky.social and Azadeh Pourzand on #Iran published this morning by @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/12/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/12/o...
Opinion | It’s a Mistake to Leave Human Rights Out of Iran Talks (Gift Article)
President Trump should not forget the Iranian people’s resolve when his administration sits down with Iran over its nuclear program.
www.nytimes.com
April 12, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Delighted to share a piece I co-authored with @hdagres.bsky.social and Azadeh Pourzand on #Iran published this morning by @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/12/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/12/o...
Everything you need to know about the US-Iran talks in Oman—and more 👇🏼
open.substack.com/pub/iranist/...
open.substack.com/pub/iranist/...
Everything you need to know about Oman talks—and more
The Iranist for the week of April 11, 2025
open.substack.com
April 11, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Everything you need to know about the US-Iran talks in Oman—and more 👇🏼
open.substack.com/pub/iranist/...
open.substack.com/pub/iranist/...
Reposted by Holly Dagres
Trump warned Tehran that it must either cut a deal to cease all nuclear weapons development, or face the very real threat of military strikes ⬇️
🎙 The Story podcast
🗣 @hdagres.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2c58b2
🎙 The Story podcast
🗣 @hdagres.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2c58b2
The Story: Trump vs Iran: deal or war?
As news unexpectedly emerged that the US and Iran are to hold talks in Oman this weekend, President Trump warned Tehran that it must either cut a deal to cease all nuclear weapons devlopment or fac...
pod.fo
April 10, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Trump warned Tehran that it must either cut a deal to cease all nuclear weapons development, or face the very real threat of military strikes ⬇️
🎙 The Story podcast
🗣 @hdagres.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2c58b2
🎙 The Story podcast
🗣 @hdagres.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2c58b2
Senior Iranian officials allegedly told Khamenei:
"Allow Tehran to negotiate with Washington, even directly if necessary, because otherwise the Islamic Republic’s rule could be toppled." www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
"Allow Tehran to negotiate with Washington, even directly if necessary, because otherwise the Islamic Republic’s rule could be toppled." www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
Why Iran’s Supreme Leader Came Around to Nuclear Talks With the U.S.
www.nytimes.com
April 11, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Senior Iranian officials allegedly told Khamenei:
"Allow Tehran to negotiate with Washington, even directly if necessary, because otherwise the Islamic Republic’s rule could be toppled." www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
"Allow Tehran to negotiate with Washington, even directly if necessary, because otherwise the Islamic Republic’s rule could be toppled." www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
At least 50 political prisoners are now facing execution in Iran, including three women.
Last year, there were over 900 executions—the highest in 9 years.
iranhumanrights.org/2025/04/five...
Last year, there were over 900 executions—the highest in 9 years.
iranhumanrights.org/2025/04/five...
Five More Political Prisoners Hanged in Iran as Use of Death Penalty to Crush Dissent Surges
Executions Follow Sham Trials and “Confessions” Extracted Under Torture At Least 50 Political Prisoners Now Facing Execution in Iran, Including Three Women April 9, 2025 — At dawn on Tuesday, April 8,...
iranhumanrights.org
April 10, 2025 at 3:41 PM
At least 50 political prisoners are now facing execution in Iran, including three women.
Last year, there were over 900 executions—the highest in 9 years.
iranhumanrights.org/2025/04/five...
Last year, there were over 900 executions—the highest in 9 years.
iranhumanrights.org/2025/04/five...
The former UK ambassador to Tehran, Simon Shercliff, is running in the London marathon with former Iran hostage Anoosheh Ashoori to raise money for Hostage International.
You can donate 👇🏼
www.justgiving.com/page/anooshe...
You can donate 👇🏼
www.justgiving.com/page/anooshe...
Anoosheh and Simon - The Marathon Promise
Help Anoosheh and Simon raise money to support Hostage International
www.justgiving.com
April 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The former UK ambassador to Tehran, Simon Shercliff, is running in the London marathon with former Iran hostage Anoosheh Ashoori to raise money for Hostage International.
You can donate 👇🏼
www.justgiving.com/page/anooshe...
You can donate 👇🏼
www.justgiving.com/page/anooshe...
In 2015, Iran was seen as a goldmine for investment and Iranians were excited to come out of isolation.
But despite Obama admin efforts, some countries were wary due to sanctions and political risk. Others that braved investment realized there was red tape and corruption.
But despite Obama admin efforts, some countries were wary due to sanctions and political risk. Others that braved investment realized there was red tape and corruption.
April 9, 2025 at 8:01 PM
In 2015, Iran was seen as a goldmine for investment and Iranians were excited to come out of isolation.
But despite Obama admin efforts, some countries were wary due to sanctions and political risk. Others that braved investment realized there was red tape and corruption.
But despite Obama admin efforts, some countries were wary due to sanctions and political risk. Others that braved investment realized there was red tape and corruption.
A Trump administration official said that Steve Witkoff’s team sent messages urging direct talks via Oman.
"If the talks aren’t direct, Witkoff might not go to Oman, the official said."
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
"If the talks aren’t direct, Witkoff might not go to Oman, the official said."
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Tehran gets a taste of Trump the dealmaker
Has the president’s instinct for drama created an opening for a new nuclear agreement?
www.washingtonpost.com
April 9, 2025 at 7:48 PM
A Trump administration official said that Steve Witkoff’s team sent messages urging direct talks via Oman.
"If the talks aren’t direct, Witkoff might not go to Oman, the official said."
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
"If the talks aren’t direct, Witkoff might not go to Oman, the official said."
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi in WaPost op-ed reiterates that talks are "indirect negotiations" and explains logic, but also includes:
1) US needs to agree there's no "military option"
2) Notes Iran didn't violate the JCPOA
3) Iran is open for business
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
1) US needs to agree there's no "military option"
2) Notes Iran didn't violate the JCPOA
3) Iran is open for business
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Iran’s foreign minister: The ball is in America’s court
Iran is ready for indirect negotiations with the United States. A solution to the crisis is within reach.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 8, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi in WaPost op-ed reiterates that talks are "indirect negotiations" and explains logic, but also includes:
1) US needs to agree there's no "military option"
2) Notes Iran didn't violate the JCPOA
3) Iran is open for business
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
1) US needs to agree there's no "military option"
2) Notes Iran didn't violate the JCPOA
3) Iran is open for business
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
There’s a divide between NSC advisor Waltz and Special Envoy Witkoff on how to handle Iran.
Trump wants a “verified nuclear peace agreement,” so he’ll likely make moves at the top level to ensure those handling Iran align with his agenda and sideline the Libya model crowd.
Trump wants a “verified nuclear peace agreement,” so he’ll likely make moves at the top level to ensure those handling Iran align with his agenda and sideline the Libya model crowd.
April 8, 2025 at 2:42 PM
There’s a divide between NSC advisor Waltz and Special Envoy Witkoff on how to handle Iran.
Trump wants a “verified nuclear peace agreement,” so he’ll likely make moves at the top level to ensure those handling Iran align with his agenda and sideline the Libya model crowd.
Trump wants a “verified nuclear peace agreement,” so he’ll likely make moves at the top level to ensure those handling Iran align with his agenda and sideline the Libya model crowd.
The Islamic Republic needs a deal because of the dire situation on the ground. It needs enough sanctions relief to float for the next 4 years to survive the Trump administration.
President Trump, driven by his desire to secure a deal, may ultimately grant them that lifeline.
President Trump, driven by his desire to secure a deal, may ultimately grant them that lifeline.
April 8, 2025 at 2:25 PM
The Islamic Republic needs a deal because of the dire situation on the ground. It needs enough sanctions relief to float for the next 4 years to survive the Trump administration.
President Trump, driven by his desire to secure a deal, may ultimately grant them that lifeline.
President Trump, driven by his desire to secure a deal, may ultimately grant them that lifeline.
"Trump advisers privately concede Iran's program is now so far along that [Maximum Pressure] might not be effective. That makes a military option a real possibility. Others close to Trump expect that he'll seek a deal before considering a strike."
www.axios.com/2025/01/06/t...
www.axios.com/2025/01/06/t...
Iran 2025: Nuclear crisis awaits Trump
Some Trump advisers are pondering the military option.
www.axios.com
January 6, 2025 at 8:50 PM
"Trump advisers privately concede Iran's program is now so far along that [Maximum Pressure] might not be effective. That makes a military option a real possibility. Others close to Trump expect that he'll seek a deal before considering a strike."
www.axios.com/2025/01/06/t...
www.axios.com/2025/01/06/t...
31 women were executed in Iran during 2024, marking the highest annual number in 17 years, according to Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). iranwire.com/en/women/137...
Iran Executes 31 Women in 2024, Highest in 17 Years
Authorities of the Islamic Republic executed thirty-one women in 2024, marking the highest annual number in 17 years, according to a hum ...
iranwire.com
January 6, 2025 at 8:39 PM
31 women were executed in Iran during 2024, marking the highest annual number in 17 years, according to Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). iranwire.com/en/women/137...
Activist Bahar Ghandehari of Middle East Matters spray paints "Free Iran" and "Women, Life, Freedom" on the ex-Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria instagram.com/p/DEaYJv9tqeU/
January 6, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Activist Bahar Ghandehari of Middle East Matters spray paints "Free Iran" and "Women, Life, Freedom" on the ex-Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria instagram.com/p/DEaYJv9tqeU/
Tehran-based Gen Z tattoo artist gives her grandmother a tattoo, and she ends up loving it.
This video went viral on IG with 3.4 million views.
This video went viral on IG with 3.4 million views.
December 27, 2024 at 6:48 PM
Tehran-based Gen Z tattoo artist gives her grandmother a tattoo, and she ends up loving it.
This video went viral on IG with 3.4 million views.
This video went viral on IG with 3.4 million views.
Iranian toman is 80,000 now to the US dollar.
I remember when it was 800 when I moved to Iran in 1999.
Iranians can’t live under these circumstances.
I remember when it was 800 when I moved to Iran in 1999.
Iranians can’t live under these circumstances.
December 26, 2024 at 10:28 PM
Iranian toman is 80,000 now to the US dollar.
I remember when it was 800 when I moved to Iran in 1999.
Iranians can’t live under these circumstances.
I remember when it was 800 when I moved to Iran in 1999.
Iranians can’t live under these circumstances.
It's almost like they want people to protest...
In November 2019, a triple fuel price hike prompted Iranians to protest. Security forces reportedly killed 1,500 in what became known as "Bloody November."
www.iranintl.com/en/202412239...
In November 2019, a triple fuel price hike prompted Iranians to protest. Security forces reportedly killed 1,500 in what became known as "Bloody November."
www.iranintl.com/en/202412239...
Iran set to slash fuel subsidies in sensitive move
Iran is due to ease fuel price subsidies, according to documents reviewed by Iran International, in a politically sensitive move likely approved by the country's top leadership which is due to deepen ...
www.iranintl.com
December 23, 2024 at 7:44 PM
It's almost like they want people to protest...
In November 2019, a triple fuel price hike prompted Iranians to protest. Security forces reportedly killed 1,500 in what became known as "Bloody November."
www.iranintl.com/en/202412239...
In November 2019, a triple fuel price hike prompted Iranians to protest. Security forces reportedly killed 1,500 in what became known as "Bloody November."
www.iranintl.com/en/202412239...
Iran's judiciary chief directed the attorney general and provincial prosecutors to cooperate with security forces to prevent unrest, "emphasizing that decisive action is needed to maintain stability" during power outages.
www.iranintl.com/en/202412235...
www.iranintl.com/en/202412235...
Iran’s judiciary chief calls on police, prosecutors to prevent unrest over power outages
Iran’s judiciary chief has instructed prosecutors and law enforcement forces to address potential unrest over widespread fuel shortages and power and gas outages.
www.iranintl.com
December 23, 2024 at 7:16 PM
Iran's judiciary chief directed the attorney general and provincial prosecutors to cooperate with security forces to prevent unrest, "emphasizing that decisive action is needed to maintain stability" during power outages.
www.iranintl.com/en/202412235...
www.iranintl.com/en/202412235...
“The owner of one of the largest manufacturing plants for construction material said… that his business had survived revolution, war and sanctions but that none of those things had been as chaotic and stressful as events of the past week.”
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/w...
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/w...
Iran’s Energy Crisis Hits ‘Dire’ Point as Industries Are Forced to Shut Down
Although Iran has one of the biggest supplies of natural gas and crude oil in the world, it finds itself in a full blown energy emergency, coming just as it also suffers major geopolitical setbacks.
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2024 at 5:51 PM
“The owner of one of the largest manufacturing plants for construction material said… that his business had survived revolution, war and sanctions but that none of those things had been as chaotic and stressful as events of the past week.”
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/w...
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/w...
Contact in Iran: "We're waiting to see what happens."
Me: "We're waiting to see what you guys do," referring to ordinary Iranians.
Contact in Iran: "We're waiting to see what you guys do [the US] because we can't do it ourselves."
Me: "We're waiting to see what you guys do," referring to ordinary Iranians.
Contact in Iran: "We're waiting to see what you guys do [the US] because we can't do it ourselves."
December 20, 2024 at 7:29 PM
Contact in Iran: "We're waiting to see what happens."
Me: "We're waiting to see what you guys do," referring to ordinary Iranians.
Contact in Iran: "We're waiting to see what you guys do [the US] because we can't do it ourselves."
Me: "We're waiting to see what you guys do," referring to ordinary Iranians.
Contact in Iran: "We're waiting to see what you guys do [the US] because we can't do it ourselves."
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The Iranist | هالی دگرس/Holly Dagres | Substack
A weekly newsletter on all things Iran. Click to read The Iranist, by هالی دگرس/Holly Dagres, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
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December 20, 2024 at 5:18 PM
If you’re a subscriber, I’d love your feedback on The Iranist newsletter!
Take the survey now 👇🏼
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When then-President Ahmadinejad visited Egypt in 2013, Egyptians were worried about Islamists because the Muslim Brotherhood was in power.
Now, under Sisi, no one bats an eyelash at President Pezeshkian's visit. Very telling... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Now, under Sisi, no one bats an eyelash at President Pezeshkian's visit. Very telling... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Iran president pays rare visit to Egypt in latest sign of thawing ties
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian traveled to Cairo to attend a summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.
www.al-monitor.com
December 20, 2024 at 2:28 AM
When then-President Ahmadinejad visited Egypt in 2013, Egyptians were worried about Islamists because the Muslim Brotherhood was in power.
Now, under Sisi, no one bats an eyelash at President Pezeshkian's visit. Very telling... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Now, under Sisi, no one bats an eyelash at President Pezeshkian's visit. Very telling... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
HTS appointed a deputy for Iranian affairs, Abdulrahman Fattahi—an Iranian-born Sunni cleric and former imam—known for his jihadist sermons.
The group is reportedly trying to build ties with Iran's Sunnis in a bid to reduce Tehran's influence in Syria.
www.iranintl.com/en/202412156...
The group is reportedly trying to build ties with Iran's Sunnis in a bid to reduce Tehran's influence in Syria.
www.iranintl.com/en/202412156...
Who is the new Syrian leader’s Iran point man?
Syria's new ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has appointed a deputy for Iranian affairs known for his jihadist sermons as the group builds ties with Iran's Sunnis in a bid to reduce Tehran's influen...
www.iranintl.com
December 17, 2024 at 2:24 PM
HTS appointed a deputy for Iranian affairs, Abdulrahman Fattahi—an Iranian-born Sunni cleric and former imam—known for his jihadist sermons.
The group is reportedly trying to build ties with Iran's Sunnis in a bid to reduce Tehran's influence in Syria.
www.iranintl.com/en/202412156...
The group is reportedly trying to build ties with Iran's Sunnis in a bid to reduce Tehran's influence in Syria.
www.iranintl.com/en/202412156...
Even the new secretary general of Hezbollah acknowledged that the group lost its military supply line from Iran through Syria.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Hezbollah Chief Says Assad’s Fall Severed Key Supply Line From Iran
The loss of the route through Syria is a blow to the Lebanese militia and its most important ally, Tehran.
www.wsj.com
December 17, 2024 at 1:51 PM
Even the new secretary general of Hezbollah acknowledged that the group lost its military supply line from Iran through Syria.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...