Summary

This document provides news and information about Iran in 2025. These reports from previous years provide additional background context and information.

U.S. Praise of Iranian People

On 18 Jun 2025, during a press event, the President of the United States was asked why he has been compassionate toward the Iranian people. In response he stated:

“I’ve known a lot of people from Iran, from New York, from Washington, mostly from New York. They’re incredible people. They’re smart. They’re energetic. … They’re great people, smart people.” ~ President Trump, 18 Jun 2025 press event, 10m 51s [Video]

The video below is queued to 10m 51s.

Iran – Overview Video

The video below offers a cultural overview from a tourist perspective.

Iran-U.S. Negotiations

As of June 2025, the Iran-Israel conflict is at the forefront of news coverage for the region. The United States seems to be purposefully avoiding the conflict and instead is pushing for negotiations with Iran. As of 15 Jun 2025, the BBC reports: “Trump vetoed plan to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader say US officials.” [Source: BBC Video and also MSNBC Video on 15 Jun 2025]

Iran-Israel Parallel Narratives

The Prime Minister of Israel addressed the Iranian people describing the recent military strikes as an effort to liberate the Iranian people from what he describes as a tyrannical government. He states:

“The nation of Iran and the nation of Israel have been true friends since the days of Cyrus the Great, and the time has come for you to unite around your flag and your historic legacy by standing up for your freedom from an evil and oppressive regime. It has never been weaker. This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard. Woman. Life. Freedom. As I said yesterday and many times before, Israel’s fight is not with you. It’s not with you, the brave people of Iran whom we respect and admire. Our fight is with our common enemy. A murderous regime that both oppresses you and impoverishes you. Brave people of Iran, your light will defeat the darkness. I’m with you. The people of Israel are with you.” [Source: IsraelPM Video, 13 Jun 2025]

The message from Iran’s armed forces to the Israeli people seems to be similar to what the Israeli Prime Minister. The Iranian forces are targeting ‘vital areas’ and cautioning civilians to stay clear of those areas. [Source: Al Jazeera Video, 15 Jun 2025]

The CBS News report below from 16 Jun 2025 covers the public messaging from Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The BBC report below from 16 Jun 2025 provides additional details about communications directed toward citizens.

In the conflict between the U.S. and Iraq that began in March 2003, a very visible and public effort was made by the U.S. government to communicate with the citizens of Iraq and reinforce the idea that the U.S. was fighting to liberate the Iraqi citizens from what was described as their tyrannical leaders. In addition to phone calls and text messages to Iraqis, leaflets were dropped from planes describing U.S. intentions. So, this strategy is one that has been used by various countries in the past.

Reza Pahlavi – Path Forward

The report below with Reza Pahlavi describes a possible path forward. (ABC, 17 Jun 2025)

Regime Change Analysis

In the report below, Iranian-American activist Elica Le Bon provides some commentary about a possible regime change in Iran. [Source: NewsNation Video, 18 Jun 2025]

Regional Concerns

“Many countries fear a strategic fallout of the escalations between Israel and Iran. Iran’s neighbor Turkey has been very vocal against Israel’s actions. Neighboring Pakistan too has condemned the strikes. It’s not only regional countries though. 21 Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE have also condemned Israeli strikes. Why is the Muslim world so concerned? And how do people in Iran view what’s happening in their country?” [Source: Deutsche Welle News Video, 18 Jun 2025]

NEWS

News reports will be posted below in chronological order with source and date in the heading above each entry.

Al Jazeera (28 Jun 2025)

Deutsche Welle (28 Jun 2025)

Iran is holding mass state funerals for what it calls the martyrs of its 12-day war with Israel and the United States. Those being honored include dozens of top military commanders, nuclear scientists and their family members.

France 24 News (28 Jun 2025)

BBC (26 Jun 2025)

Iran’s supreme leader has insisted the US “gained no achievements” from strikes on its nuclear facilities, in his first public address since a ceasefire with Israel was agreed.