Iran
Elite Iranian Colonel Assassinated by Mystery Gunmen on Motorbikes
The country’s media is pointing the finger of blame at Israel after the Revolutionary Guards member was killed in broad daylight.
Huge Spike in Drug-Related Executions in Iran
126 people were hanged for drug offences in Iran in 2021, two rights groups said, in a year in which the rate of executions doubled overall following the election of President Ebrahim Raisi.
These Afghans Are Using a Giant Slingshot to Shoot Drugs Across the Border
Experts say Afghan drug smugglers have been using this technique for years.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe on Way Home to UK After 6 Years Detained in Iran
The British-Iranian dual national was arrested in 2016 on spurious charges of trying to overthrow the government. She's finally on her way home.
Ethereum Companies Suddenly Ban Users In Certain Countries
Social media is flooded with reports of users in Venezuela not being able to use MetaMask and Infura, and Iranian users being locked out of OpenSea.
‘We're Going to Live Among Our People’: The Afghans Returning to Taliban Rule
Despite the Taliban's dismal human rights record, their return to power prompted many Afghans in Iran to go home. VICE World News met them on the border.
Pro-Iran Militias Mark 2 Years Since Soleimani’s Death With Attacks on US Troops
But efforts by Iran to honour the assassinated commander on social media were overshadowed by anger over Qassem Soleimani’s daughter using an iPhone.
What Happened in the Middle East in 2021, As Told Through 7 Powerful Photos
Conflict, economic hardship, drought and heatwaves produced some remarkable images of sorrow and joy.
Thousands Protest in Dried-Up Riverbed Over Iran's Water Crisis
Farmers and supporters have been holding a huge protest in what was once the Zayanderud river. On Friday, security forces moved against them.
'My Body Is Getting Creaky': British Dad on 19-Day Hunger Strike for Wife's Freedom
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was imprisoned in Iran in 2016. Her husband Richard Ratcliffe speaks to VICE World News about the lengths he's going to get her back.
Iranian-Backed Militias Are the Biggest Losers From Iraq’s Elections
The leaders of the armed groups have refused to accept the results, and promised to fight for the “rights” of their candidates.
These Women Are Reclaiming a Male-Dominated National Sport in Iran
A small but increasing number of Iranian women are challenging patriarchal attitudes that underlie the ban on women’s participation in Zoorkhaneh.