Fatma Tanis

Women hold up signs depicting the image of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died while in the custody of Iranian authorities, during a demonstration denouncing her death by Iraqi and Iranian Kurds outside the U.N. offices in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, on Sept. 24, 2022.

Iran's government has tamped down most protests. But anger and desperation persist

Connor Donevan

A government crackdown has successfully scared demonstrators off the streets in most of Iran, but conversations with regular people reveal a simmering frustration with the regime.

A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in her support in front of the Iranian embassy in Brussels on September 23, 2022.

Where does Iran go now?

Connor Donevan

Iran's government has barely given an inch after months of widespread protests. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly asks Ali Vaez, the Iran Project's director at the International Crisis Group, what happens next.

'I can dream it, but I can't afford it': Iranians on their bleak economy

Connor Donevan

Iranians of all political stripes complain of a dead-end economy. Some blame U.S. sanctions while others fault government mismanagement and corruption.

A women in Tajrish Square in Tehran, Iran, in Feb. 2023.

In Tehran, forgoing a headscarf is a quiet, daring protest

Fatma Tanis

Mahsa Amini's death after an alleged violation of Iran's strict dress code sparked months of protests. Now, Tehran's streets are crowded with women with uncovered hair: an act of bravery and dissent.

A woman distributes placards with the images of Ali Khamenei (r) Iran's current Supreme Leader, and Ayatollah Khomeini, the country's first Supreme Leader, during the 44th anniversary of the revolution celebrations, in Tehran. The placard quotes Khamenei saying "We should appreciate this revolution. We keep it on track to its goals and help it reach more valuable goals."

Fireworks and 'Death to the dictator': Iranians assess the Revolution, 44 years on

Mary Louise Kelly

Following protests and crackdowns over the past five months, authorities held events to mark the 1979 Revolution this week. They show Iranians have mixed feelings about their nation.

Foreign minister says Iranians can freely voice ideas despite thousands detained

Mary Louise Kelly

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Iran's foreign minister about free expression, Americans being held prisoner in his country and the future of the Iran nuclear deal.

In Iran, NPR sees anger and desperation. Its government tells us nothing is wrong

Mary Louise Kelly

In an interview with NPR in Tehran, Iran's foreign minister dismisses the protests that have spread in the wake of Mahsa Amini's death, saying "nothing important had happened."

NPR asks Iran's foreign minister about anti-government protests and global relations

Mary Louise Kelly

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in Tehran.

A music school wants to revive Turkish and Syrian connections through song

Fatma Tanis

Founded by refugee musicians, a music institute in Southern Turkey tries to revive forgotten Syrian classics and integrate Turkish and Syrian cultures with music the two have shared for centuries.

Syrian refugees in Turkey face racist attacks and the fear of deportation

Fatma Tanis

Syrian refugees found refuge in southern Turkey, even building businesses that help the local economy. But now the political winds are shifting, and many feel they're no longer welcome.