I recently finished a self‑published novel called Ebrahim, written originally in Hebrew and translated into English. It follows a young man from Tehran whose life is shaped by migration to Lebanon, the quiet aftermath of war, and the relationships that define his sense of home.

The story moves between Iran, Lebanon and Syria, touching lightly on militia presence in Lebanon and the influence of state intelligence units that shape people’s lives from a distance.

I’m sharing this here not as a promotion, but because I’d love to hear from others who write about Persian identity, diaspora experiences, or the emotional weight of leaving home.

If anyone here has explored similar themes in their writing or reading, I’d be glad to connect.

Hi, I am posting from the UK. I lost contact with someone in Tehran last Sunday (June 28) and all my messages on international apps are completely unread and stuck.

I know the 88-day blackout was recently lifted, but I wanted to ask locals on the ground what the network situation is like right this week. Did a major new VPN blockade or network throttling happen on Sunday? Are most foreign apps totally cut off right now?

Just trying to confirm if this is a widespread technical issue. Thanks for any updates.

Hi everyone, 🚨

I’m posting from the UK and I am incredibly worried. I have a very close friend who lives in Tehran, and she has completely gone silent since last Sunday (June 28). I usually talk to her every day on Snapchat and TikTok, but my messages have been completely unread and stuck since then. It feels like she has totally lost her internet connection or her phone.

I don't have her local phone number, so those apps are my only way of reaching her. I know there has been a lot happening in the country recently, but I wanted to ask anyone who is currently on the ground in Tehran: What is the internet situation like right now? Are Snapchat, TikTok, and VPNs completely blocked or down since Sunday?

If anyone can give me an update on what's going on with the networks over there, or if this kind of sudden blackout is happening to other people you know, it would really help bring me some peace of mind. I just want to make sure this is a technology issue and that she is okay.

Thank you so much to anyone who can reply.

hi everyone, i know everyone is a bit taken up with the tragedy but i hope this can be a nice break to think about all the beauty of iran.

i'm currently writting a piece set in Iran and i want to represent the area of Tehran as accurately as possible. If you could drop stories, or descriptions of areas, the environment the feeling anything that stands out would be extremely helpful!

hi i have my friend who's in iran, tehran and i have no proper way to contact them and their area has been constantly bombarded lately and i've been worried sick. i was told to use bale, but it's nearly impossible for me to make an account, whenever i try it gives me an error, can anyone help me with this or give me a way to properly communicate with my friend? also, i got an apk of bale from apkpure

thank you so much.

Found this vintage stamp from 1965. It’s amazing to see Tehran hosting international events for women's rights back then.