Maryam Sinaiee

Chiswick, London

Contributor Journalist and Political Analyst at Iran International

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Articles

Grief, rage, solidarity: Iranians under fire, out of sight

1 week ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

The war may have begun as a clash between Israel and the Islamic Republic, but for many Iranians now caught in the crossfire, it has become an intimate reality, marked by both grief and rare solidarity. The war may have begun as a clash between Israel and the Islamic Republic, but for many Iranians now caught in the crossfire, it has become an intimate reality, marked by both grief and rare solidarity.
A broadcaster bombed: why many Iranians welcomed strike on IRIB

1 week ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

Israel’s airstrike on Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB may raise legal questions for scholars of war, but for many Iranians, it felt like a long-overdue punch to the face of the Islamic Republic. IRIB is seen by many not just as biased, but as a tool of repression—tied to psychological coercion, disinformation, and forced confessions. “I’m filled with bizarre emotions about the destruction of IRIB,” wrote former political prisoner Nazila Maroofian on X.
Panic in Tehran: exodus as Israel strikes for a third day

1 week ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

Panic-stricken residents began fleeing Tehran on Sunday as Israeli strikes and air defense fire rocked the city, sending thick plumes of smoke into the skyline of a capital unprepared for war. The latest wave of Israeli airstrikes, which began at midday, followed hours after a warning from Israel’s Ministry of Defense urging civilians to avoid areas near military and weapons facilities.
Inside Khamenei’s war cabinet: how Iran guides its contest with Israel

1 week ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

As Iran faces its biggest military challenge in decades amid relentless Israeli attacks nationwide and assassinations of its top military leadership, one man stands atop its complex military apparatus. Though a network of powerful institutions and senior military advisors shape Iran’s defense strategy, ultimate authority over military decisions lies with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
'Thank you uncle Netanyahu': some Iranians praise Israeli strikes

2 weeks ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

Some Iranians expressed gratitude to Israel for assassinating military and political military officials they viewed with contempt in video and voice messages sent to Iran International TV. “I wanted to thank Israel and Uncle Netanyahu for what they did last night and to tell (the authorities in) Iran: You are nothing. [You call the Islamic Republic] a power in the region, but three of your top commanders were killed in a single attack,” a viewer said in his message.
US-based Iranian influencer sparks fury after praising alleged rapists

2 weeks ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

A Texas-based Iranian influencer with over 14 million Instagram followers has sparked outrage for praising three Iranian athletes accused of gang raping a young woman in South Korea. In a video that went viral on Persian social media, Aisan Eslami said the alleged rape was “good news” and the accused had “their flag raised high.” He blamed the victim, suggesting she had invited the assault.
Doubt and praise as Tehran arrests top cleric’s kin for corruption

2 weeks ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

The arrest of a top cleric’s family members has done little to convince many Iranians that the judiciary’s anti-corruption drive is more than symbolic, despite praise from conservatives and some reformists. The IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency reported Sunday that the Revolutionary Guard’s Intelligence Organization had detained two sons of Tehran’s Friday imam, Kazem Sedighi, two weeks earlier. The report said they were arrested on charges of misconduct and collusion, without further details.
Murder of young Iranian woman reignites debates on sexism and justice

2 weeks ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

The murder of 24-year-old Elahe Hosseinnejad gripped Iran, sparking grief and anger over gender violence, legal discrimination and the state’s failure to protect women. Hosseinnejad, a nail technician from Eslamshahr, south of Tehran, vanished on May 25 after leaving work to care for her younger brother. Her disappearance quickly drew attention after her family raised the alarm on social media, prompting thousands to share her photo in hopes of locating her.
Island vibes? US and Iran joust over where to enrich uranium

3 weeks ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

The location of a proposed uranium enrichment consortium to help resolve Iran's nuclear impasse is emerging as a central point of contention, as Tehran insists enrichment must occur on its own soil. Axios and The New York Times reported earlier this week that US negotiator Steve Witkoff has proposed creating a regional consortium to break the deadlock in stalled nuclear talks.
Hell exhibit draws fire from Iranians-faithful and faithless alike

3 weeks ago | iranintl.com | Maryam Sinaiee

An exhibition by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards meant to offer a visceral experience of the afterlife—particularly the torments of hell—has instead provoked widespread ridicule and criticism. Inaptly titled Heaven Time, the display opened this week at a Revolutionary Guards’ base in Fouman in Iran’s lush northern Gilan Province. Organizers claimed the project had the approval of prominent religious figures.