What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was writing political commentary for a Persian-language website, focusing on West Asia and global power dynamics. Even then, I was passionate about deconstructing liberal narratives and highlighting voices from the Global South. That experience shaped my entire analytical approach.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, once during a visit to an old journalism museum. It was a brief but nostalgic experience that made me appreciate how far we’ve come in writing technology.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has transformed news from a scheduled broadcast to a real-time stream. It has democratized storytelling, empowered eyewitnesses, and challenged gatekeepers. But it has also amplified misinformation and made speed a rival to accuracy. The challenge now is to harness its reach while preserving journalistic integrity.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent — not just because he’s Superman, but because he symbolizes the idea that truth, justice, and integrity can coexist within journalism, even under pressure.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist is to stand at the crossroads of truth and power. It means carrying the weight of people’s voices, asking questions that matter, and revealing what some would rather keep hidden. It’s not just reporting facts — it’s about seeking meaning, context, and justice. Journalism, at its best, is a public service rooted in courage and conscience.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
— It was trending during a moment of absurd global posturing when two leaders were exchanging threats over Twitter like teenagers. It was darkly hilarious and painfully accurate.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer clear, concise pitches via email, ideally with a compelling subject line and a short summary of the story angle, its relevance, and why it matters now. If there’s supporting data or exclusive insight, even better. Personalization shows the sender has done their homework—and that always stands out.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use a combination of Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Notion for writing and organizing my thoughts. For research and fact-checking, I rely on academic databases, trusted news outlets, and tools like Zotero. I also use Grammarly for editing and Canva for designing visuals when needed.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) — I appreciate Instagram for its visual storytelling and community engagement, especially when covering cultural or human-centered topics. X, on the other hand, remains a vital space for real-time news, sharp analysis, and connecting with global journalists and thinkers. Both platforms serve different purposes, but together they shape how I share, observe, and engage with the world.
Who do you wish followed you?
Noam Chomsky — not just for his intellectual depth, but because his follow would be a nod to critical thinking in journalism.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I believe journalism is not just about reporting facts, but about revealing truths, giving voice to the unheard, and challenging power with reason. I became a journalist to be part of the global conversation for justice, to write not just with ink but with responsibility, and to turn complex realities into accessible narratives that matter.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn’t work for a high school newspaper, as there wasn’t one available at the time. However, my passion for writing and analysis was already present, and I was actively involved in student discussions and literary groups, which laid the foundation for my future path in journalism.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
One of the stories I’m most proud of is titled “Sanctions as Civilizational Warfare: A War Without Guns, A War Against Lives”, published in OpEdNews. It explored how economic sanctions, beyond being a tool of political pressure, function as a silent form of warfare targeting the everyday lives of ordinary people. It combined investigative depth, human stories, and a civilizational perspective that I strive to bring into all my work.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stay curious, stay courageous. Journalism is not about being loud — it’s about being clear, accurate, and relentless in the pursuit of truth. Read widely, write often, and listen deeply. Learn the craft, but also develop your conscience. The world needs journalists who not only inform, but also illuminate.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is between 5 PM and 10 PM Tehran time. I welcome thoughtful and well-structured ideas that align with my areas of expertise, especially in political philosophy and international affairs.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever received wasn’t flashy—it was honest. A researcher from the Global South approached me with a raw yet compelling idea on how sanctions function as civilizational warfare. It wasn’t just a topic—it was a testimony. That pitch reminded me that the most powerful stories are often those that come from lived experience, not polished press kits.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I ever received was a request to write a superficial promotional piece disguised as journalism — with no room for analysis, context, or integrity. It reminded me why I chose this profession: not to echo power, but to challenge it
What's your favorite drink?
Tea — especially strong black tea, preferably in a small glass, the way it’s served in West Asia. It fuels both my writing and reflection.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I usually spend my time reading books on geopolitics and political philosophy. My approach to journalism blends both fields, so staying grounded in theory and global realities is essential to my work.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Among the publications I regularly read, The South China Morning Post and Le Monde Diplomatique stand out. Both provide nuanced global coverage and often highlight perspectives from the Global South, which aligns closely with my own editorial focus.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
One of the most common misperceptions about my beat—covering international politics, civilizational resistance, and Global South narratives—is that it’s ideologically rigid or one-sided. In fact, what I strive for is depth, plurality, and a decolonial lens that brings marginalized voices to the forefront, regardless of their political affiliations.
