Iranian news from inside and out: Hamshahri, Ettela'at — publishing since 1926 — and the reformist Shargh, the Tehran Times and Financial Tribune in English, plus Iran International and BBC Persian reporting from abroad.
Persian Newspapers
Digital News Portals
Business and Finance
Sports
News in English
Diaspora and International
News Agencies
Frequently asked questions
- What is the oldest newspaper in Iran still in print?
- Ettela'at, founded in 1926, is Iran's oldest newspaper still publishing, alongside Kayhan and the reformist Shargh.
- Which Iranian outlets publish in English?
- The Tehran Times and Financial Tribune publish from Tehran, while Iran International and BBC Persian broadcast from abroad.
- What is Iran's official news agency?
- IRNA (the Islamic Republic News Agency) is the official state agency, with Tasnim and Fars among semi-official agencies.
Iran has one of the Middle East's oldest and most sophisticated newspaper industries, with a rich media tradition stretching back over a century. Iranian journalism operates in one of the region's most complex media environments — with state-aligned outlets, reform-oriented newspapers, independent digital portals, and a large diaspora press serving over 85 million Iranians at home and millions more abroad. Persian (Farsi) is spoken by over 100 million people worldwide, making Iran's press uniquely influential across Central Asia and the broader Persian-speaking world.
Among the most widely read Iranian newspapers online is Hamshahri, Iran's highest-circulation daily. Ettelaat, founded in 1926, is one of the oldest newspapers in the region. The state agency IRNA provides official wire services in multiple languages. For independent news, BBC Persian, Radio Farda and Iran International are among the most trusted internationally. For business, Donya-e Eqtesad is the essential economic daily. In sports, the FFIRI covers Team Melli — Iran's national football team and a perennial World Cup qualifier.
Looking for newspapers from other Middle Eastern countries? Explore our collection of Iraqi newspapers, Turkish newspapers, Afghan newspapers, and our full global directory at Newspapers Online.