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Lyse Doucet: In Tehran, rallies for Iran’s revolution overshadowed by discontent and defiance
For the first time in a month, the BBC has returned to the capital of Iran, following the government’s crackdown on demonstrations using unparalleled force.
At 9 pm on Tuesday, Tehran's night sky was filled with sounds of celebration, marking the 47th anniversary of the Iranian revolution.
From a hotel balcony, the chants of "God is greatest" could be heard emanating from rooftops and windows, accompanied by a kaleidoscope of fireworks.
However, this year's festivities were not without a sense of unease, as a contrasting sentiment echoed through the city.
Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, voices shouting "death to the dictator" could be heard from within the city, a testament to the underlying tensions.
This stark contrast was a reminder of the recent wave of protests that swept through Tehran and other cities, met with a severe response that resulted in significant loss of life.
This trip to Iran marks the first time international media have been allowed to return since the protests, as the government gradually lifts its near-total internet blackout.
The current mood in the capital is a far cry from the atmosphere during our previous visit in June, which followed a 12-day conflict with Israel that also involved US attacks on Iran's nuclear sites.
The aftermath of that conflict had left many residents shaken, but also strengthened their attachment to their country.
Tehran is now adorned with flags and decorations to commemorate the "ten days of dawn", a period that began with the 1979 revolution.
The 1979 revolution was a pivotal moment in Iranian history, leading to the ousting of the shah and the creation of a new axis of resistance that has been a point of contention with its enemies.
This year, however, the celebrations are overshadowed by concerns over rising prices, economic hardship, and calls for an end to clerical rule.
These internal pressures, combined with the threat of further military action from US President Donald Trump, pose a significant challenge to Iran's ageing theocratic government.
On the final day of the anniversary celebrations, the streets were filled with government supporters, a show of force in response to the recent protests.
Despite the tensions, the atmosphere was festive, with families marching and enjoying the warm winter sun.
Participants waved Iranian flags and photographs of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, chanting slogans such as "death to America" and "death to Israel".
A young woman, dressed in a long black veil, expressed her enthusiasm for the revolution, saying it had brought new life to Iranian society and the Islamic world.
When asked about the protests, she acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances but attributed the unrest to external influences.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this view, blaming "malicious propaganda" from Iran's enemies for fueling the unrest.
He also apologized for the government's shortcomings and expressed a willingness to listen to the people's concerns.
The president emphasized the need to address the economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the collapse of the currency and rising living costs.
However, the ultimate authority in Iran's clerical system lies with the supreme leader, who has vowed to take a firm stance against those deemed to be terrorists or troublemakers.
On our first day in Tehran, we visited Enghelab Square, where vibrant murals of smiling crowds dominate the buildings.
Despite the colorful decorations, a sense of unease hung in the air, with some Iranians hesitant to speak to journalists.
When approached, many people expressed their concerns and frustrations, citing economic hardship and the recent unrest.
The emotions were still raw, and the pain was palpable, as people reflected on the events of the past month.
One woman, Raha, broke down in tears, describing the past month as a time of sleepless nights and empty stomachs.
She questioned the official narrative, asking why unarmed protesters were targeted and what their sin was.
A young woman named Dori, who no longer wears the mandatory headscarf, recalled the horrific videos and photos that emerged after the internet connections were restored.
An older woman, Akhtar, expressed her concerns about the high number of young people killed and the growing hardship in daily life.
Many Iranians we spoke to, like 20-year-old Amir, urged their leaders to listen to their voices and address their concerns.
His friend, also named Amir, emphasized the need for basic needs and freedoms to be met.
However, resolving these issues is complicated by decades of international sanctions, suspicions over Iran's nuclear program, and chronic corruption and mismanagement.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is now at a critical juncture, facing its most significant challenges since the 1979 revolution.
The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet is reporting from Tehran, subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Iranian authorities on international media organizations.
These restrictions, which apply to all international media operating in Iran, are a reminder of the complexities and challenges of reporting in this country.
The situation in Iran remains delicate, with the government seeking to balance its response to the protests with the need to address the underlying economic and social concerns.
As the country navigates this critical period, the international community will be watching closely, aware of the potential implications for the region and beyond.
The Iranian government's ability to respond to the current crisis will be a key factor in determining the country's future trajectory.
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GB men’s curling team suffers upset defeat to Italy
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Great Britain’s men’s curling team mounted a comeback against Italy following a disappointing beginning, ultimately falling short in their inaugural match.
Despite a valiant comeback, Team GB ultimately fell short as Italy held their composure to secure the win in the final end.
A dismal start to the match proved costly for Team GB's men, as they suffered their first defeat of the Winter Olympics at the hands of host nation Italy, despite a spirited fightback in the packed Cortina Curling Stadium.
Following victories in their first two matches, including a win over the Swedish rink that beat them in the gold-medal match four years ago, Team GB entered their second high-profile encounter in as many days in a confident position.
However, a disastrous opening end, in which Italy stole four points, left Team GB trailing and facing an uphill battle in front of a boisterous home crowd.
The British team, currently ranked number one in the world, gradually regained their footing and managed to level the score by the ninth end.
Ultimately, Italy maintained their composure in the final end to emerge victorious, winning 9-7 and adding Team GB to their list of scalps, which already included the Swedes.
"We had to dig deep and play some solid curling, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get us over the line," Team GB lead Hammy McMillan said in an interview with BBC Sport.
With seven wins from nine round-robin matches guaranteeing a spot in the semi-finals, Team GB remains in a strong position, although fewer wins may still be sufficient to advance.
The women's team is set to take to the ice next, facing South Korea in their second match at 13:05 GMT, while the men will return to action on Saturday against the Czech Republic at the same time.
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A daily guide to the Winter Olympics is available for those looking to stay up-to-date with the action.
The looks of shock on the faces of Team GB's curlers told the story of a disastrous opening end.
With a stone in play, Mouat attempted a risky shot in an effort to claim two points, but it backfired, resulting in none of Team GB's stones in the house and four Italian stones in position.
However, the Scottish quartet, ranked number one in the world, quickly regained their composure and got back to their game.
The teams exchanged singles before a impressive final throw by Mouat, aided by a measurement to determine which stone was closest to the button, allowed Team GB to claim two points and narrow the gap to 5-3.
Another excellent team effort, which included a well-judged throw by Mouat, a solid sweep by Hammy McMillan and Bobby Lammie, and Grant Hardie's strategic expertise, forced Italy to concede a point in the fourth end, reducing the deficit to a single point at the break.
Italy blanked the sixth end and added two points in the seventh to rebuild their lead, but Team GB fought back with two points of their own, remarkably levelling the score with one end remaining after a steal.
The match came down to the final end, but Italy held their nerve to secure the win, prompting a deafening roar from the crowd.
"It's an incredible experience, and we need to get used to it," McMillan added, describing the electric atmosphere as "surreal" and "cool," more akin to a football match than a typical curling crowd.
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Scotland Kicks Off Nations League Against Slovenia
Uefa has released the schedule for the Nations League, with Scotland set to begin their campaign on 26 September with an away match against Slovenia.
Uefa has released the schedule for the Nations League, with Scotland's campaign set to begin on 26 September with an away match against Slovenia.
The team's six group stage games will be played within a three-month period, culminating in a match against Switzerland on 16 November.
The fixture list was announced following Thursday's draw, which placed Scotland in a group with Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.
Having been relegated from League A after a play-off loss to Greece last year, Scotland will compete in the second tier of the Nations League this year.
In response to the draw, head coach Steve Clarke noted that the teams in the group appear to be evenly matched.
Clarke reflected on the team's past experience in the competition, stating that it has been beneficial for Scotland.
He emphasized the importance of the Nations League, citing its role in helping the team qualify for Euro 2020, and anticipated a challenging set of matches.
A key matchup in the Nations League will see Scotland face off against Switzerland.
The group stage will determine the teams' fates, with the winner earning promotion, the runner-up entering a play-off, the third-placed team facing a relegation play-off, and the fourth-placed team being relegated directly.
The upcoming group games will mark a reunion for Scotland and Switzerland, who previously drew 1-1 in Cologne at Euro 2024.
Scotland's last encounter with Slovenia was during the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign, when they won 1-0 at home and drew 2-2 away.
The team has not played North Macedonia since the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, when they drew 1-1 at home and won 2-1 away, with goals from Ikechi Anya and Shaun Maloney.
The schedule for Scotland's Nations League campaign begins on 26 September with a match against Slovenia.
The team will then host Switzerland on 29 September, followed by a trip to face North Macedonia on 3 October.
Scotland will then play Slovenia at home on 6 October, before hosting North Macedonia on 11 November.
The final group stage match will see Scotland travel to face Switzerland on 16 November.
The team's home match against North Macedonia is set for 11 November.
The campaign will conclude with an away match against Switzerland on 16 November.
News
Golfer McIlroy Sinks Bunker Shot at Pebble Beach Pro-Am
At the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, Rory McIlroy achieved an eagle on the 14th hole at Spyglass Hill, capping off his opening round with a score of 68.
During the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, Rory McIlroy achieved an eagle on the 14th hole at Spyglass Hill, contributing to his first-round score of 68.
For further information, Rory McIlroy had a solid opening round, while Hisatsune took the lead.
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