News
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.
Entertainment And Arts
Spielberg Contributes $25,000 to Van Der Beek’s $2 Million Crowdfunding Campaign
The relatives of the deceased actor, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, have expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the $2m fund.
A donation of $25,000 (£21,000) has been made by film director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, to a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $2m (£1.6m) for the family of late actor James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek, who passed away at the age of 48, is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children, and the crowdfunding effort to support his family has now exceeded its initial target of $2m.
Other notable donors include Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldana, who contributed $2,500 (£2,108), and director Jon M Chu, who gave $10,000 (£8,432) to the cause.
A statement from the organizers of the fundraiser, Friends of the Van Der Beek family, expressed gratitude to all contributors, stating that their support is deeply appreciated.
The statement highlighted the significance of the donations, saying that the kindness shown by contributors is beyond words.
It also noted that the outpouring of support has been a source of comfort during a difficult time, serving as a reminder of the power of love, community, and the enduring legacy of James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek was perhaps best known for his starring role in the popular US teen drama series Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, although he remained associated with the show until 2023.
Although Van Der Beek and Spielberg never collaborated on a project, the late actor's character in Dawson's Creek was a fan of Spielberg's work, with posters of films like ET and Schindler's List featured in his bedroom.
At a Dawson's Creek cast reunion event last year, Spielberg paid tribute to Van Der Beek by sending a video message.
In the message, Spielberg said, "Dawson, you made it," and jokingly added that he hoped to one day have a room like Dawson's, filled with memorabilia from his films.
Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday after a battle with bowel cancer.
He had been dealing with the diagnosis since August 2023 and publicly disclosed his condition in November 2024.
The GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family with medical expenses, which had depleted their funds.
The statement from the organizers concluded by saying that the family is currently taking time to grieve and be together, and thanked everyone for their compassionate and generous support in honoring James Van Der Beek's life.
News
Zimbabwe Shocks Australia with Muzarabani’s Exceptional Performance
Zimbabwe secured a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, with Blessing Muzarabani playing a key role by taking 4-17.
In the current T20 world rankings, Zimbabwe occupies the 12th position.
The Men's T20 World Cup is underway in Group B at Colombo.
Zimbabwe's innings concluded at 169-2 after 20 overs, with Bennett scoring an unbeaten 64 off 56 deliveries, while Green claimed 1-6.
Australia's reply ended at 146 after 19.3 overs, as Renshaw top-scored with 65 off 44 balls, and Muzarabani took 4-17.
The match resulted in a 23-run victory for Zimbabwe.
A standout performance from Blessing Muzarabani, who took 4-17, helped Zimbabwe secure a thrilling 23-run win over Australia in the T20 World Cup.
After being set a target of 170, Australia found themselves in trouble at 29-4, but a 77-run partnership between Matthew Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell for the fifth wicket gave them hope.
With 34 runs needed from the last two overs, Renshaw's dismissal for 65, caught off Muzarabani with eight balls remaining, essentially sealed the game's outcome.
The result has left Group B finely balanced after two matches each, with Australia trailing Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka by two points, ahead of their meeting with Sri Lanka on Monday.
Initially, Zimbabwe's approach to batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium appeared overly cautious.
Brian Bennett's innings of 64 not out from 56 balls, including seven fours, was played at a strike rate of 114.28, as he anchored the Zimbabwean batting.
In contrast, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl adopted a more aggressive approach, scoring 35 off 21 and 30 balls, respectively.
A late surge from Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza, who scored 25 off 13 balls, including the team's only six on the final ball, provided a boost to their total.
Australia's target seemed achievable, given their total of 182-6 in their previous win against Ireland.
However, the Australian batting line-up was severely dented by the loss of key wickets, including Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Tim David, courtesy of Muzarabani and Brad Evans.
A partnership between Renshaw and Maxwell offered some respite, but when Maxwell fell for 31, dragged on to Burl, the pressure mounted on Australia.
Muzarabani's return to bowl the penultimate over proved decisive, as he removed Renshaw, and Zimbabwe subsequently wrapped up the win.
There are calls for the ICC to review the rules regarding 12th men.
For more information, including notifications and social media updates, visit BBC Sport.
A blogger who participates in the FPL is also competing in the T20 World Cup.
News
FA Cup Finalists Outside the Big Six Since 2008
As the FA Cup resumes this weekend, assess your understanding of past finalists that have competed from beyond the Premier League’s top six clubs.
This weekend, the FA Cup resumes with 32 teams remaining in contention for the historic trophy, which has been awarded for 155 years and will be presented to the winner in May.
Historically, the Premier League's top six clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham – have dominated the FA Cup, claiming 32 titles out of the last 37.
However, in recent years, teams outside of this elite group have experienced some notable victories in the competition.
Since 2008, 10 teams from outside the traditional 'big six' have advanced to the FA Cup final – can you identify all of them?
For more quizzes, visit our Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes sections, where you can also subscribe to receive the latest quizzes directly on your device.
We have a quiz question tailored to each Premier League team – test your knowledge and see how you score.
Can you recall every team that has won the Women's Champions League?
Which players have made the most appearances in the Premier League – can you name them all?
Explore our Sports Quizzes page for a wide range of challenging and engaging quizzes.
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