Alireza Ronaghi

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Alireza Ronaghi
Correspondent | Iran
Biography

Alireza Ronaghi, based in Tehran, has covered Iran for international news organisation for over 10 years. Prior to joining Al Jazeera English, he reported for Reuters news agency and Japanese TV network NHK.

He followed an unsual route into journalism, taking up a freelance reporting gig to earn spare cash while attending medical school. After qualifying as a medical doctor,  Alireza realised news was his real passion.

Latest posts by Alireza Ronaghi

By Alireza Ronaghi in Middle East on November 4th, 2010
A generation that didn't exist at the time of the Islamic Revolution still commemorates the takeover of the US embassy [EPA]

On November 4, 2010, Iran marks the national day of fight against what the government calls a "day of national confrontation against World Imperialism".

It is the 31st anniversary of the takeover of the US embassy in Tehran, an event that not only changed the dynamic of Iran-US relations but also created a chain of events that are still affecting Iran's foreign and domestic affairs.

The US sanctions that were imposed on Iran shortly after the takeover are still in place, although they have been relaxed at times. The diplomatic ties between Iran and the US remained severed since the takeover of the embassy.

The anti-American stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which many see as its main attribute, became prevalent as a result of the event.

By Alireza Ronaghi in Americas, Middle East on April 14th, 2010
Photo by Reuters

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's president, said on Tuesday that he had written a letter to Barack Obama, his US counterpart.

The contents were not revealed, but he hinted that it included a piece of advice for Obama - grab the opportunity, resume ties with Iran, this is your only chance of achieving anything during your presidency.

His tone was unbelievably soft, even sympathetic at times, when he spoke about Obama.

He said it would be unfair to say Obama has failed to deliver his promise and has not made any changes during the first year of his time in office.

But most interesting of all, was the president's comment about a mystical "formula" that, if found, could safeguard Iran's interests in dealing with the US.

Many Iranians, still suspicious of any kind of co-operation with the West, truly wish that such a formula existed. 

By Alireza Ronaghi in Middle East on August 23rd, 2009

The presiding board of Iran's parliament announced on Sunday that it had received the letter from President Ahmadinejad introducing 21 ministers of his next cabinet.

The official announcement marks the beginning of a week-long period of analysis, lobbying and debates in parliament halls over the credentials and qualifications of the ministerial nominees.

For the time being, some MPs are confident that at least four nominees will not win parliament's vote of confidence. Others believe that Ahmadinejad's choices of female ministers will face serious opposition among orthodox conservatives. 

Most popular nominees, as far as their relevant parliament committees are concerned, seem to be the ministers of foreign affairs, interior, intelligence and defense, despite the fact tha the nominated defense minister is on Interpol's wanted list.

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Biography

Alireza Ronaghi's picture
Alireza Ronaghi
Correspondent
Alireza Ronaghi has covered Iran for international news organisations for over a decade.

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