Ahmad K. Majidyar

Middle East analyst, with a focus on Iran and Afghanistan. Formerly, MEI, AEI, BBC & UN. Statements here = my own views; RTs & Likes≠Endorsement.

[Ahmad K. Majidyar @majidyar]

Congratulations @LisaCurtisDC! I can’t think of anyone better to lead this vital institution at such a critical time. Your extensive experience will be invaluable as @RFERL continues its essential mission of bringing trusted information to audiences around the world.

[Lisa Curtis @LisaCurtisDC]

I am honored to begin my tenure as Acting President & CEO @RFERL. Our journalists are documenting Russia’s war on Ukraine, exposing corruption, countering anti-American propaganda, and delivering truth to millions denied a free press. The mission has never been more critical.

[Damon M. Wilson @DamonMacWilson]

Afghanistan’s democratic story did not end in August 2021. Five years later, Afghans continue to report, teach, organize, and keep alive the possibility of a freer future.

My remarks on their extraordinary resilience—and why we must remain committed:
https://t.co/IoblA83E0P

[Amu TV @AmuTelevision]

خالد مجیدیار، کارشناس منطقه‌ای و مدیر ارشد برنامه‌های بنیاد ملی برای دموکراسی، در نشست این نهاد درباره افغانستان در واشنگتن می‌گوید آرمان‌های دموکراتیک افغانستان با بازگشت طالبان به قدرت پایان نیافته است.

او می‌گوید این آرمان‌ها «در شجاعت و اراده افغان‌ها و تعهد کسانی که از آنان حمایت می‌کنند، همچنان زنده‌اند.»

[Lotfullah Najafizada @LNajafizada]

I look forward to sharing my observations tomorrow on a panel at @NEDemocracy’s forum on Afghanistan in Washington, DC.

[Nazanin Boniadi @NazaninBoniadi]

The Islamic Republic keeps executing January protesters while the world’s attention is fixed on Hormuz and geopolitics.

[Ahmad K. Majidyar @majidyar]

It was a pleasure to join @MalaliBashir, @LisaCurtisDC, @LTGHRMcMaster, and @ShukryaBarakzai to discuss the Afghan people’s continuing aspirations for a democratic, peaceful and better future. Thank you @RFERL and for hosting this discussion & continuing to amplify Afghan voices.

[RFE/RL Pressroom @RFERLPress]

Five years after the Taliban takeover of Kabul, Afghan women, journalists, and civil society continue to face severe restrictions. @MalaliBashir @LisaCurtisDC @LTGHRMcMaster @ShukryaBarakzai and @majidyar discuss how life has changed for ordinary Afghans, what the future could hold, and the role of @RFERL's @PazadiRadio/@DaRadioAzadi in providing independent news and amplifying Afghan voices. https://t.co/MAuhsoX1Ze

[Nazanin Boniadi @NazaninBoniadi]

Iran’s courageous youth continue to be slaughtered by the state with impunity.

[Damon M. Wilson @DamonMacWilson]

Five years after the Taliban seized Kabul, too much of the conversation about Afghanistan still focuses on them.

But the Taliban do not own Afghanistan’s future.

@OfficialMariamS and I write in @JoDemocracy about the Afghans who continue teaching, reporting, organizing and defending one another — and why we must ensure they do not stand alone.

@NEDemocracy

[Ambassador Mike Waltz @USAmbUN]

Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize from inside an Iranian prison.

For years, Iran has kept her chained to the cell floor of Iran’s notorious Evin Prison for telling the truth about the regime’s abuse of women and political opponents.

Now her body is breaking down, and Tehran is blocking the urgent care she needs.

Transfer her to her doctors. Release her now.

https://t.co/ARyOkYAMpl

[IranWire @IranWireEnglish]

RSF ranked Iran 177th out of 180 countries in its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, one place lower than last year, grouping it among the least free environments for journalists alongside China, North Korea, and Eritrea.
More: https://t.co/nqJEoEZDsv

[Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay @NazaninAJ]

“Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); 30 April 2026: At least 44 protesters including two women and three teenagers who were reportedly under the age of 18 at the time of arrest, have been sentenced to death in relation to the January 2026 protests”

https://t.co/42uL8XniNv

[Abdorrahman Boroumand Center @IranRights_org]

🔴The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center has documented 612 executions so far in 2026, with 15 cases recorded since the beginning of April.

🔸The ongoing global internet blackout in Iran - the longest in global history - and the judiciary’s lack of transparency have made documenting execution figures difficult; therefore, the actual rate of executions is likely much higher. The Islamic Republic has also escalated its execution of political prisoners under the guise of national security, including several protesters arrested in January.

[IranWire @IranWireEnglish]

Iranian authorities have held three members of a Baha'i family from Shiraz incommunicado for over 20 days, with no charges or whereabouts disclosed, sources told IranWire. IRGC-affiliated forces detained the siblings and a brother-in-law.
More: https://t.co/dibNYOSye8

[Damon M. Wilson @DamonMacWilson]

Behind every execution is a citizen who believed in a freer future—and paid the highest price for it. When a government executes at record levels, it reveals not strength, but fear of its own people.

The answer to repression is solidarity with those building a freer future from the ground up.

History will remember those who stood for freedom—and those who tried to hang it.

[New York Post @nypost]

Executions in Iran doubled in 2025 - marking a 36-year high: report https://t.co/cPOTIUueXD

[Amnesty International @amnesty]

The Iranian authorities are shamelessly encouraging children as young as 12 to join an IRGC run military campaign, putting them in grave danger and violating international law, which prohibits the recruitment and use of children in the military. Recruiting children under 15 into the armed forces constitutes a war crime.

Read more 👇 https://t.co/FzEO3nqUBU

[Washington Post Opinions @PostOpinions]

"The danger to the Iranian people cannot be overstated," writes @ICHRI's Karen Kramer and Esfandiar Aban.

"The regime is determined to settle scores with its domestic critics and extinguish any internal challenge to its rule." https://t.co/V9EEsuOVu9

[Nazanin Boniadi @NazaninBoniadi]

I joined @jaketapper on @TheLeadCNN to discuss the relevance of Nowruz in Iran this year—as people cling to hope in the face of despair.

[IranWire @IranWireEnglish]

Iran’s judiciary says part of the compensation for war victims will come from confiscating the assets of detainees it labels as “rioters.” Authorities say the seized property will fund reconstruction and medical costs for those affected by the war.
More: https://t.co/bMEhpkU4wo

[Secretary Marco Rubio @SecRubio]

Today, I am designating Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The Taliban continue to use terrorist tactics to seek policy concessions, but it won’t work under this administration. The Taliban must release Dennis Coyle, Mahmood Habibi, and all Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan.