How media coverage of Iran’s supreme leader’s funeral exposed the limits of familiar narratives about the country.
The Strait of Hormuz again became a flashpoint in escalating tensions between Iran, the United States and their allies. A ceasefire collapsed just days after millions of Iranians gathered to honor the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran granted rare access to foreign reporters and social‑media influencers, underscoring the regime’s careful calibration of its media messaging.
Contributors:
HA Hellyer – senior fellow, Royal United Services Institute
Samira Mohyeddin – host, On The Line Media
Negar Mortazavi – host, The Iran Podcast
Alex Vatanka – senior fellow, Middle East Institute
On our radar
Turkey hosted the recent NATO summit, during which President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted a display of unity and strength between Ankara and Washington.
Elettra Scrivo analyses the imagery, the messaging, and how media coverage has shaped the narrative of the event.
How Big Food sells ultraprocessed food
Ultra‑processed foods now dominate diets worldwide. Marketed as nutritious, these industrially formulated products are increasingly linked to a global health crisis.
On The Listening Post, Nicholas Muirhead examines how Big Food influences public perception and consumption of ultra‑processed foods.
Featuring:
Marion Nestle – professor, New York University
Christopher Snowdon – head of lifestyle economics, Institute of Economic Affairs
Arun Gupta – doctor and nutritionist
