History of Iran (newspaper) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

Iran is a prominent daily newspaper published in the Islamic Republic of Iran, serving as the official media outlet of the Iranian government. Established in 1994, it functions as a mouthpiece for the executive branch, offering perspectives on domestic policy, international relations, and national affairs. While its primary role is to disseminate official government narratives, news, and statements, it also covers a broad spectrum of cultural, social, and economic topics relevant to the Iranian public. As a state-owned publication, it reflects the political stance of the current administration, making it a critical source for understanding the government's official position on various internal and regional developments. The newspaper is published in Persian and maintains a significant role in Iran's state-controlled media landscape, balancing political messaging with general information reporting.

1995: Launch of Iran Newspaper

In 1995, the newspaper Iran was officially launched under the ownership and publication of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

May 2006: Closure of Iran newspaper

In May 2006, the Iran newspaper was shut down by the Press Supervisory Board after publishing a caricature that was considered divisive and provocative toward Azeri people, leading to the arrest of the artist and the editor-in-chief.

2007: Establishment of Iran Network Website

In 2007, the Iran Network Website (inn.ir) was launched and began operations under the ownership of the Iranian Cultural and Press Institute.

August 2011: Controversy surrounding Vijehnameh Khatoon 1

In August 2011, the Iran newspaper released a 258-page special issue titled "Vijehnameh Khatoon 1," which sparked significant controversy. Political activists accused the authors of the issue of questioning the black veil, a garment recognized in the Islamic Republic of Iran as the superior Islamic veil.

November 20, 2011: Ali Akbar Javanfekr Press Conference and Verdict Protest

On November 20, 2011, following a one-year prison sentence, Ali Akbar Javanfekr held a press conference at the Iran newspaper offices to publicly protest the verdict and reiterate sentiments previously expressed in an interview with Etemad newspaper.

June 2013: Banning of Iran newspaper

In June 2013, the Iran newspaper received a six-month ban issued by an Iranian court following allegations that the publication had provided a false report.

2013: Appointment of Mohammad Taqi Roghaniha as Manager of Iran Daily

Following the presidential election of 2013, Mohammad Taqi Roghaniha, who served as the CEO of the Iran Cultural and Press Institute (ICPI), was appointed as the manager of the daily newspaper.

2013: Closure of Iran Network Website

The operations of the Iran Network Website came to an end by the conclusion of 2013, marking the cessation of the platform's digital presence.

October 2016: Iran Newspaper Joins Twitter

In October 2016, the Iran Newspaper officially joined the Twitter social network to begin disseminating its news and articles to a broader digital audience.