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Nominations Announced for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes 2026
Mansour Jahani
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has revealed the nominees for the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. The ceremony, set for January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton, will kick off the annual awards season in style. In film, "Frankenstein," "Hamnet," and "Sinners" lead with multiple nominations, while in television, series like "Severance," "The Bear," and "The White Lotus" are top contenders. A new category recognizing the best in podcasting has also been introduced. The event will be hosted...
 
بیوگرافی علی باسوتی Ali Basouti (خواننده)
An Iranian artist
Ali Basouti (born April 25, 1999, in Eyvanekey, Semnan, Iran) is an Iranian artist, composer, songwriter, musician, and mobile-device technician. He began his artistic path at a young age by creating melodies and producing instrumental beats, later developing his own signature style through emotional sound design and modern production techniques.
 
Unveiling the Silence: Why AI Chatbots Clam Up on Sexual Topics
From Protective Filters to Ethical Quandaries, Exploring the Reasons Behind AI’s Reluctance - and the Winds of Change
In a world where artificial intelligence can predict stock markets, diagnose diseases, and even craft poetry, one topic consistently hits a digital brick wall: sex. Whether you’re chatting with ChatGPT, Grok, or Google’s Gemini, attempts to steer conversations toward intimacy often end in polite deflections or outright refusals. But why? This isn’t just a quirk of programming—it’s a deliberate design rooted in safety, ethics, and societal pressures. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life,...
 
Homayoun Ershadi actor of Abbas Kiarostami, Marc Forster and Terrence Malick dies at 78
Mansour Jahani
Homayoun Ershadi, the revered Iranian actor whose profound performance in Abbas Kiarostami's Palme d'Or-winning "Taste of Cherry" launched him onto the world stage, has died. He was 78. Ershadi passed away from cancer on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Tehran. His funeral was held on Wednesday at Behesht Sakineh Cemetery in Karaj. Ershadi forged a unique international career, seamlessly moving between Iranian art-house cinema and major Hollywood productions.
 
President Nechirvan Barzani Meets with UN Special Representative: Focus on Iraqi Parliamentary Elections and Erbil-Baghdad Relations
Mansour Jahani
Neçirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, met with Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General. The discussions centered on the sixth round of Iraqi parliamentary elections and Erbil-Baghdad relations. Both leaders emphasized the importance of conducting fair elections across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, expressing hope that the results would serve the interests of both Iraq and Kurdistan. Resolving issues between Erbil and Baghdad through dialo...
 
President Nechirvan Barzani receives a letter from the US Secretary of State
Mansour Jahani
President Nechirvan Barzani has received a formal letter from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing enhanced economic cooperation between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. The correspondence highlighted several key diplomatic achievements and ongoing initiatives. Secretary Rubio specifically applauded President Barzani's crucial role in reopening the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, enabling resumed oil exports from the Kurdistan Region. The letter also expressed appreciation for Barzani'...
 
Exploring the Synergy of Tesamorelin, Mod GRF (1-29), and Ipamorelin in Growth Hormone Research
Cutting-Edge Peptide Research
A new tri-peptide blend combining Tesamorelin, Mod GRF (1-29), and Ipamorelin is gaining attention in scientific circles for its potential to illuminate the complex regulation of the human growth hormone axis. Researchers believe the blend could offer valuable insights into metabolic, regenerative, and neuroendocrine pathways.
 
President Nechirvan Barzani and US Ambassador Discuss Syria Situation
Mansour Jahani
President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Türkiye & Special Envoy for Syria, held a phone call to discuss the latest developments in Syria and the wider region. Both sides emphasized resolving regional issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. Ambassador Barrack expressed appreciation for President Barzani’s constructive efforts in facilitating dialogue between Syrian Kurdish groups and the Damascus government. He encouraged the Kur...
 
China’s Quiet Lifeline: How Beijing Has Helped Rebuild Iran’s Military Supply Chains
How Beijing’s commercial, diplomatic and covert channels have reportedly helped Tehran rebuild missile and dual-use supply chain
Western intelligence and investigative reporting say China has supplied Iran with dual-use components, chemicals and logistics support that have helped Tehran recover missile and other capabilities after recent strikes — a development that Washington and European partners say complicates regional security and sanctions enforcement.
 
President Donald Trump Stresses Continued Reconciliation in Middle East in Letter to President Nechirvan Barzani
Mansour Jahani
US President Donald Trump, in a letter to Nechirvan Barzani, emphasized resolving Middle East crises. The US President thanked the President of Iraq's Kurdistan Region for supporting US peace initiatives. This letter contains important diplomatic messages for all regional actors.
 
​Morocco Becomes the European Film Market’s “Country in Focus” at the 76th Berlinale
Mansour Jahani
Morocco's appeal extends beyond its domestic productions to its growing reputation as an international filming destination. The country offers diverse landscapes—from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert and historic cities like Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Casablanca—that have long attracted global filmmakers. The sector is further supported by structural incentives including a 30 percent cash rebate for foreign productions and official co-production agreements with numerous partner countries...
 
The 21st Zurich Film Festival announces its 2025 award winners
Mansour Jahani
"Father," directed by Tereza Nvotová from the Czech Republic, won the top Golden Eye award at the 21st Zurich Film Festival, where Iranian director Ali Asgari served as a jury member for the feature film competition.
 
President Nechirvan Barzani's Statement on the Start of the Election Campaign
Mansour Jahani
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has called for a peaceful and civil election campaign, urging all political parties and groups to adhere to electoral commission guidelines and avoid rhetoric that could lead to tension or division as campaigning for Iraq's parliamentary elections begins.
 
Hidden Promises, Dangerous Journeys: The Trafficking of Iranian Women to Dubai
AsiaNews Iran - Special Investigation
As Iran’s economic collapse and political repression push young women to seek safety and money abroad, a shadowy market has grown: recruiters promise jobs and travel to Dubai, only for many women to end up exploited in commercial sex and forced labour. This investigation traces routes, evidence, and responsibility — and what can be done to protect victims.
 
Nechirvan Barzani: I welcome President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict
Mansour Jahani
Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has welcomed Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the Gaza war, encouraging all sides to participate constructively in dialogue aimed at achieving lasting peace.
 
The 73rd San Sebastian Film Festival announces its 2025 award winners
Mansour Jahani
The Spanish-French co-production "Sundays," directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, won the Golden Shell at the 73rd San Sebastian International Film Festival. The festival also honored Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence and veteran producer Esther García with Donostia Lifetime Achievement Awards.
 
The Unfolding History: Why the Kurdish-Turkish Conflict Persists and Shapes the Middle East
Regional Geopolitics and Internal Strife
The intricate and often violent relationship between Turks and Kurds stands as one of the most enduring geopolitical fault lines in the modern Middle East. Spanning decades and rooted in historical, linguistic, and political disputes, this conflict is not merely an internal Turkish security issue but a transnational dynamic with profound consequences for Iran, Iraq, and Syria, continuously challenging regional stability and the prospects for democratic integration.
 
The 30th Busan International Film Festival announces its 2025 award winners
Mansour Jahani
According to the report of Mansour Jahani, an independent and international cinema journalist, the closing ceremony of the 30th Busan International Film Festival was held on Friday night, September 26, 2025, in Busan, Korea, and awards from various competitive sections, including the newly established “Competition”, Winners of New Currents Award, the “Vision” Asia section, Mecenat Documentary Award, Sonje Award, FIPRESCI Award “International Federation of Film Critics”, NETPAC Award, etc were pr...
 
Asghar Farhadi Begins Shooting New Film in Paris
Mansour Jahani
Acclaimed Iranian director Asghar Farhadi has started filming his latest project, "Parallel Tales," in Paris on September 8, 2025. The film stars French cinema legends Isabelle Huppert, Catherine Deneuve, and Vincent Cassel, among others. This is a report by Mansour Jahani.
 
Thigh Sex: The Ultimate Guide to Intercrural Sex – Sensual, Safe, and Surprisingly Satisfying
Unveiling the Allure of Non-Penetrative Passion: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Bedrooms
In a world where sexual wellness is evolving beyond traditional boundaries, thigh sex—also known as intercrural sex or thighjob—is captivating couples and individuals alike. This intimate act, involving thrusting between a partner's thighs for friction-fueled pleasure, offers a tantalizing alternative to penetrative intercourse. From its roots in ancient civilizations to its buzz on social media today, explore why this underrated form of outercourse is making waves in 2025.
 
Russia's Blatant Aggression into the Heart of Europe; Poland Responds to Intruder Drones by Activating NATO's Article 4
EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT TO 'ASIANEWS IRAN' FROM THE POLISH EMBASSY IN TEHRAN
The Polish Embassy in Tehran, in a statement emailed directly to the newsroom of "AsiaNews Iran," has exposed a blatant and premeditated military aggression by Russia into its airspace, involving approximately 20 drones. Warsaw has condemned this brazen act, launched from Belarusian territory, as a desperate attempt by the Kremlin to drag NATO into the war and destabilize the European continent, responding decisively by activating Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
 
Qamar dar Aqrab: The Enduring Myth of Moon in Scorpio and Why It Still Influences Decisions in 2026
Unraveling the Mystical and Superstitious Lore Surrounding the Moon's Passage Through Scorpio in Global Cultures
In the vast tapestry of celestial events, few concepts blend astronomy, astrology, and cultural superstition as intriguingly as "Qamar dar Aqrab," the Persian term for the Moon in Scorpio. As of September 20, 2025, recent social media buzz and astrological forecasts highlight its ongoing relevance, from avoiding major life decisions during this period to embracing its transformative energy in modern Western astrology.
 
The winners of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival were announced
Mansour Jahani
"Hamnet," directed by Chloé Zhao, has won the People's Choice Award at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, with Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" and Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" also taking major audience prizes, as the festival celebrated its milestone anniversary.
 
Cause of Death: Unknown: Represents Iranian Cinema at the 2026 Oscars
Mansour Jahani,
Iran’s nine-member Oscar selection committee has unanimously chosen Ali Zarnegar’s Cause of Death: Unknown as the country’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards, following a rigorous review of five shortlisted films.
 
Kazakhstan in the AI Era: Tokayev Announces Key Priorities from Digital Transformation to Innovative City of Alatau
Kazakhstan's Ambassador in Tehran: Astana Advances Toward Digital and Economic Transformation with AI Focus
In a press conference held this morning (September 15, 2025) at the Kazakhstan Embassy in Tehran, Ontalab Onalbayev, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Iran, unveiled the annual message from Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, to his people. In this message titled "Kazakhstan in the AI Era: Current Challenges and Solutions Through Digital Transformation," Tokayev emphasized priorities such as artificial intelligence, economic modernization, transit corridors, and energy transition.
 
Bought Lives: How Poverty Drives the Global Trade in Kidneys and Other Human Organs
Human rights & investigations
A hidden global market in human organs — led by the kidney trade — is being fuelled by deepening poverty, migration and shortages of legitimate organs. Estimates place the global trade’s annual value in the hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars, while traffickers and corrupt facilitators capitalize on the desperation of the poor.
 
President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Commander of US Central Command
Mansour Jahani
President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region welcomed Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), for a high-level meeting focused on security cooperation and the ongoing threat from ISIS. President Barzani thanked the U.S. for its continued support, including training for the Peshmerga forces, while Admiral Cooper reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to its strategic partnership with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration to eradica...
 
Official awards of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival Announced
Mansour Jahani
According to the report of Mansour Jahani, an independent and international cinema journalist, at the closing ceremony of the 82nd Venice international film festival, the winners were announced by the five international Juries during the Awards Ceremony that was held on Saturday 6th September at 7:00 pm 2025 at the Sala Grande movie theater in the city of Venice, Italy, and the winners of various competition, including ; The Main Competition, the Orizzonti competition, the Immersive competition ...
 
Top-Selling Items for Street Vending: Your Guide to Starting a Profitable Business
Top-Selling Street Vending Items: Your Guide to High Profits in 2026
Asianews Iran – For aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a low-investment business model, street vending remains a vital and profitable sector. A new guide highlights the most in-demand products, from timeless food and beverages to seasonal accessories, providing a roadmap for starting a successful small business in Iran's bustling urban centers and beyond.
 
Venice 2025: Francis Ford Coppola Presents Honorary Golden Lion to Legend Werner Herzog
The 82nd Venice International Film Festival opens with Sorrentino's 'La Grazia' and honors a visionary of cinema
The 82nd Venice Film Festival opened with Francis Ford Coppola honoring Werner Herzog with a lifetime achievement Golden Lion and the premiere of Paolo Sorrentino's 'La Grazia'.
 
78th Locarno International Film Festival Winners Announced
Mansour Jahani
The winners of the various competition of the 78th Locarno International Film Festival have been announced, and “Two Seasons, Two Strangers” by “Shu Miyake”, Japan won the “Pardo d’Oro” award for best film.
 
Zahra Ghanbari and Zahra Khajoui will compete for the championship wearing Ista Alborz's uniform.
Two stars of the national women's football team join the Premier League contenders
Two stars of the Iranian women's national football team have joined Ista Alborz! Zahra Ghanbari and Zahra Khajoui have turned the orange-clad team into serious championship contenders with this transfer. With these two smart transfers, Ista Alborz, which finished fourth in the Iranian Women's Premier League last season, has now become one of the main contenders for the championship.
 
Tehran's municipal services crisis after Afghan workers were fired
From garbage tanks to Behesht Zahra; the capital is facing a severe labor shortage
The exodus of 1.6 million Afghans from Iran has left Tehran facing a severe crisis in municipal services. From garbage collection to green space maintenance and Behesht Zahra services, everything has been affected by this shortage of manpower.
 
Causes, symptoms and treatment of varicocele
Doctor Varicocele
Varicocele, in simple terms, is the dilation and twisting of the veins that drain blood from the testicles; a condition similar to varicose veins in the legs, but in the scrotum. This disorder is often seen in adolescence to early adulthood and is a treatable cause of male infertility. Understanding the causes of varicocele, recognizing the exact symptoms of varicocele, and knowing how to treat varicocele will help you avoid wasting time seeing a doctor and prevent long-term damage.
 
iPhone 17 without a physical SIM card?
Do new Apple phones work in Iran?
iPhone 17 without physical SIM card? There have been conflicting reports about the removal of the physical SIM card from the iPhone 17. Many Iranian users are worried about whether Apple's new phones will work in Iran. But what is the reality?
 
The reality of mothers' rights to register their newborn's birth certificate
Clarification about the notes to the Civil Registration Law
The claim by some media outlets that mothers can register a newborn's birth certificate without the father's presence based on "Article 62 of the Civil Registration Law" is false. A review of the text of the law shows that this article does not exist at all, and according to Article 16, the primary responsibility for registering a birth lies with the father or paternal grandfather, except in exceptional cases such as death, disappearance, or a court order.
 
Bitcoin crosses $124,000
Bitcoin reaches its highest price ever
Bitcoin hit a new record high of over $124,500 on Thursday morning, August 13, with an unprecedented rise in Asian markets.
 
Why Israelis Call Benjamin Netanyahu “Bibi”: Origins, Meaning, and How a Childhood Nickname Became a Political Brand
Explainer | Israeli Politics & Culture
In Israel and far beyond, Benjamin Netanyahu is almost universally known as “Bibi.” The nickname looks casual, even cute—but its roots go back to childhood and its reach now shapes slogans, rallies, headlines, and hashtags. Here’s how “Bibi” was born, what it means in Hebrew culture, and why it evolved into one of the most recognizable political brands in the world.
 
Mansour Jahani Joins 2026 Golden Globe Awards Jury
After judging at Cannes with IndieWire, Jahani makes history as first Iranian voter for Golden Globes
Mansour Jahani, Iran’s foremost cinema journalist, breaks new ground as a Golden Globes 2026 voter. Selected by HFPA’s Tim Gray, Jahani brings 24 years of critiquing Iranian masterpieces (from Kiarostami to Rasoulof) to Hollywood’s prestigious awards table.
 
The Art of Desire: How Cinema Lost and Found Its Sexiness in the Streaming Age
An In-Depth Analysis of Eroticism's Journey from Controversial Taboo to Mainstream Megahit
For decades, the cinematic exploration of desire was a powerhouse, driving box office hits and cultural conversations. Then, it seemingly vanished from the multiplex, relegated to history. Today, in an unexpected twist, eroticism is not only back but is thriving in our living rooms, powered by streaming giants and a new generation of creators. This is the story of the fall and rise of erotic storytelling—a journey that reflects our changing society, technology, and understanding of desire itself...
 
A Love Forged in Art, Aflame in Scandal: The Enduring Saga of Forough Farrokhzad and Ebrahim Golestan
IRANIAN CULTURAL HISTORY
The recent passing of filmmaker Ebrahim Golestan at 100 has closed the final chapter on one of Iran's most iconic and controversial love affairs. His decades-long, passionate, and intellectually charged relationship with a rebellious genius of Persian poetry, Forough Farrokhzad, was a cultural earthquake that challenged the norms of a nation and produced some of the most enduring art of its time.
 
Catherine Perez-Shakdam: The French-Jewish Journalist Accused of Infiltrating Iran’s Elite for Israel
Unveiling the Enigma: Catherine Perez-Shakdam’s Alleged Role as a Mossad Spy Shakes Iran’s Political Landscape
Catherine Perez-Shakdam, a French-Jewish journalist and political analyst, has emerged as a polarizing figure in the Iran-Israel intelligence saga. Accused of being a Mossad operative who infiltrated Iran’s political and media circles, her story blends espionage allegations, claims of personal relationships with officials, and a mysterious meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader. As Tehran grapples with security breaches following the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict, Shakdam’s case raises questions about t...
 
From Palace to Pixel: The Faded Glory and Uncertain Future of Manoto TV
IRANIAN MEDIA LANDSCAPE
Once the undisputed king of Persian-language satellite television, Manoto TV captivated millions of Iranians with its glossy, Western-style entertainment and controversial historical documentaries. After a dramatic shutdown in early 2024 due to financial collapse, the network has made a modest return, broadcasting free-to-air into Iran via satellite while relying on YouTube subscriptions from the diaspora. But with a fraction of its former budget and talent, Manoto now faces a profound identity ...
 
Argentina's Inflation Plummets to 39.4%
Milei's Austerity Miracle or Time Bomb
Argentina's inflation has dramatically fallen from 292% to 39.4% under President Javier Milei's radical austerity program—but with unemployment hitting 9.1% and GDP shrinking, is this economic medicine curing the disease or killing the patient?
 
How HPV Spreads and How to Protect Yourself
Genital Warts: The Silent STD Epidemic
Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide—yet many don’t realize they’re at risk. Can you get HPV from kissing? Swimming pools? Even shared clothing? The answers may shock you.
 
Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani: Assessing the New York Times' Assassination Claim
Exclusive Report: Unraveling the Rumors
The New York Times has made a controversial claim, alleging that Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, was killed in a recent Israeli strike. This report, which has sent shockwaves across the region, has yet to be officially addressed by Iranian authorities, leaving the international community in a state of suspense.
 
Letter of protest to Trump and the United States government
Why did Iranians fall victim to the travel ban
The US government has once again made a strange decision to ban travel from 12 countries, including Iran, on security grounds. But are Iranians really a threat to US national security? A review of the statistics of terrorist attacks on US soil over the past 25 years shows that no Iranians have played a role in these incidents. This decision has put the lives of thousands of Iranian students at risk. Is this ban really a security decision or a political game? An open letter addressed to Trump and...