International Affairs Analyst | Middle East Politics | Energy Geopolitics
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My early work in journalism began with the Persian-language edition of Sputnik, where I contributed independent analytical pieces and commentary on international affairs, Iran, and the Middle East. I was an independent analyst rather than a staff journalist or member of the editorial team. This experience marked an important early stage in my work as an independent international affairs analyst.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, I haven't. I've always worked digitally, but I like the idea of the typewriter's discipline—you have to think carefully before putting each word on the page.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has made news faster, more immediate, and more interactive, but it has also made verification more important. It allows information and different perspectives to reach audiences quickly, while also increasing the risk of misinformation and incomplete narratives. For analysts and journalists, the challenge is to use that speed without sacrificing accuracy and context.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I was drawn to journalism because I wanted to understand complex international developments and contribute to the public discussion around them. Writing gave me a way to examine political and geopolitical events critically, connect different perspectives, and make complex issues more accessible to readers. Over time, this developed into my work as an independent international affairs analyst, with a particular focus on Iran, the Middle East, and geopolitics.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To me, being a journalist means being willing to ask difficult questions, seek the facts, and examine events beyond the obvious narrative. It requires intellectual independence, curiosity, and a commitment to presenting information honestly and responsibly. Whether reporting a story or contributing independent analysis, the goal should be to help readers better understand what is happening and why it matters.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#FakeNews — especially when two completely different stories somehow end up being described as “breaking news.”
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer concise, well-researched pitches that get straight to the point and explain why the story matters. The best pitches provide useful context, credible sources or data, and a clear angle without trying to dictate the conclusion. I’m particularly interested in stories involving international affairs, Middle East geopolitics, and regional security.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I rely primarily on web research, news-monitoring tools, online databases, and digital research platforms to track developments and verify information. For analysis and writing, I use standard productivity and writing tools, along with social media and other open-source resources to follow events and gather perspectives.
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn. I value it as a place to follow professionals and researchers, exchange ideas, and keep up with developments in international affairs and geopolitics.
Who do you wish followed you?
I’d like to be followed by people who are genuinely interested in international affairs and geopolitics—particularly researchers, journalists, policymakers, and readers who follow the Middle East. I value thoughtful engagement and informed discussion more than simply having a large number of followers.
Why did you become a journalist?
I didn’t set out to become a traditional journalist. I was drawn to writing and analysis because I wanted to understand complex international developments and contribute an informed perspective to the public discussion. Over time, this developed into my work as an independent international affairs analyst, writing analytical pieces on the Middle East, and geopolitics.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn't.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I’m particularly proud of working on “Fearless Iranian Blogger Threatened by Nusra, Vows to Continue Work.” It was a deeply personal story, but also an important reflection of the environment in which I worked as an Iranian writer and international affairs analyst. It reminded me that meaningful analysis sometimes requires continuing to examine difficult subjects, even when doing so comes with personal risks.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stay curious, read widely, and never stop asking questions. Learn to distinguish facts from assumptions, verify information before drawing conclusions, and develop the ability to look beyond the obvious narrative. Most importantly, maintain your intellectual independence and let evidence—not pressure or preconceived views—shape your analysis. A strong journalist should always be willing to learn, reconsider, and ask better questions.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I’m generally flexible. I prefer to receive pitches during regular business hours, but for time-sensitive developments, I’m happy to consider them at any time.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitches are the ones that bring a genuinely important question to the table rather than simply asking for coverage. I particularly value pitches that offer a new perspective on a developing geopolitical issue, provide meaningful evidence or access to relevant sources, and leave room for independent analysis rather than pushing a predetermined narrative.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitches are the ones that clearly haven't been written for you. If the sender hasn't taken a minute to understand what you actually cover, even the most interesting story can become a bad pitch.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee. Definitely.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Probably somewhere with a good book. I enjoy reading, walking, and spending time away from screens—especially when I need to step back from the constant flow of news and think without distractions.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I don’t have one favorite publication. I prefer publications that offer thoughtful, well-researched analysis and different perspectives on international affairs, geopolitics, and current events.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
One common misconception is that international affairs can be understood through headlines alone. Geopolitical developments are rarely as simple as they appear, and understanding them requires context, history, competing interests, and attention to how different actors perceive the same events.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.