The Media Line

Iran risks renewed protests as citizens reach 'breaking point' amid war-stricken economy

Over 40% of Iran's population lives below the absolute poverty line, with that figure exceeding 50% in the capital. Economists warn, however, that the real poverty rate may have climbed above 60%.

Iranian Rial banknotes over a backdrop of the Iranian flag; illustration.
DECLARING A  post-Islamist era is premature: Attendees at the funeral of Iranian intelligence minister Esmail Khatib at Tehran’s Grand Mosque, March 20.

Voices from the Arab press: Hezbollah in state of crisis, Strait of Hormuz paralyzed

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attends the consultative ministrial meeting in Riyadh, on March 19, 2026. Foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries met to discuss the security crisis in the region.

Pakistan says US-Iran backchannel talks continue despite Tehran rejecting 15-point plan

US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (not pictured) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, US, March 19, 2026.

Iranians feel 'deceived, abandoned' as Trump weighs striking deal with Iran's old guard


Europe within Iran missile range, but experts question real strike capability

Iran’s indirect retaliation could blend cyber sabotage, arson, and proxy hits on soft targets like energy grids, Jewish sites, and dissidents, alongside an ongoing missile threat.

People attend an anti-US and Israeli rally, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 22, 2026.

‘If Iran keeps its uranium, everything was for nothing,' experts say on Trump's war pause

A five-day halt in strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, following what President Donald Trump described as “productive” talks, is fueling debate over whether pressure is easing too soon.

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran on March 7, 2026.

Israelis in Cyprus report strong sense of safety despite rising crime concerns

Security remains high for Israelis and Jews on the island even as officials note a modest increase in reported crime and shifting demographics.

TOURISTS ENJOY the beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, October 5, 2024.

Pakistan positioning itself as intermediary in US-Israel-Iran tensions - analysis

Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces, called US President Donald Trump on Sunday to discuss the Iran crisis and offered mediation, according to The Financial Times. 

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) speaks with Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam (L),

Syria shows security, economic gains, UN council says, urging caution on Israel

This development shows some countries are beginning to change their approach to Syria, while still stressing the need to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

 Israel's Ambassador Danny Danon addresses during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, following Israel’s attack on Iran, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., June 13, 2025.

Iran missiles, Hezbollah drones renew fear for residents along Israel’s northern border

After returning home from prolonged evacuations, communities along Israel’s northern border face renewed attacks, limited protection, and growing psychological strain as the war continues.

 Moshe Davidovich at the border with Lebanon.

Missile debris falls in Amman as Jordan faces direct threats amid Israel-Iran war

Missile interceptions and falling debris are striking cities across Jordan, forcing the kingdom deeper into a conflict it sought to avoid.

An Iranian missile has fallen on a home in Amman, Jordan, February 28, 2026

Voices from the Arab press: Iran threatens global shipping in Strait of Hormuz

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

The Liberia-flagged tanker ‘Shenlong Suezmax,’ loaded with Saudi Arabian crude, arrives at a port after transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid supply disruptions, in Mumbai, India, March 12.

Syrian Jews in Damascus donate meat for iftar, support Muslim families in need during Ramadan

Needy families receive Ramadan support as a small remaining Jewish community highlights longstanding ties with Muslim neighbors.

Participants in the event from the Jewish community of Damascus.

Eid, Nowruz, Nisan converge in 2026, blending faith, culture, renewal across the region

The convergence creates a layered period of celebration that reflects the region’s complex identity, where religious practice and ancient cultural traditions coexist and often reinforce one another.

Iranians watch fireworks during the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbe Suri, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz, in Tehran, on March 18, 2025.