Iran

Man standing in glass-enclosed cage in courtroom (© The Moscow City Court/AP)

Honoring defenders of freedom of expression

Authoritarian regimes continue to crack down on freedom of expression. World Press Freedom Day honors those who bravely speak out.
Young women dancing during parade (© Albin Lohr-Jones/Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Images)

Ringing in the new year with Nowruz

The Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz, begins on the spring equinox. Read on to find out how it's being celebrated in the United States.
Woman and Jalal Kimia playing dafs (Courtesy of Jalal Kimia)

Americans welcome Nowruz with music [video]

Two Iranian-born, U.S.-based musicians explain how music connects people of different backgrounds as they gather for the Nowruz holiday.
Illustration of nuclear weapon in box, sitting atop globe, with hands about to padlock box (State Dept./D. Thompson)

Working to keep the world safe from nuclear weapons

The U.S. works with other countries to reduce risks from nuclear weapons and improve access to peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Left: Book cover with Statue of Liberty (Courtesy of Alfred A. Knopf). Right: Portrait of Roya Hakakian (© Masih Alinejad)

A beginner’s guide to America

Roya Hakakian, a human rights activist, poet, author and naturalized U.S. citizen, shares memories of adjusting to life in America.
Police escorting man through crowd on city street (© Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Images)

Authoritarian regimes target journalists worldwide

Authoritarian regimes are harassing journalists beyond their borders, watchdog groups say. Learn how threats to press freedom span international boundaries.
Table setting with flowers and greenery for Nowruz (© Ali Sadr)

Online Nowruz connects Americans to the world

Mindful of the ongoing pandemic, U.S. museums and cultural centers are helping Americans celebrate Nowruz safely and joyfully in 2021.
Antony Blinken (right) and person with laptops sitting at conference table, with TV screen on wall (State Dept./Freddie Everett)

In Yemen, U.S. seeks peace, provides humanitarian aid

The U.S. has pledged an additional $191 million in humanitarian aid to help the people of Yemen and is committed to efforts to end the war.
Illustration of raised fists next to hand holding megaphone (© Shutterstock)

Free speech: Protecting citizens’ voices advances societies

While many countries punish citizens for expressing their views, the United States protects freedom of speech as vital to democracy.