Tehran International Weekly Magazine: A Voice for the Global Persian Community
By Shahbod Noori
In a world where media is saturated with short attention spans and fleeting trends, Tehran International Weekly Magazine has stood strong as a trusted pillar for the Persian-speaking community across the globe. For over two decades, it has served as a cultural bridge, a political voice, and a vibrant platform for Iranians in diaspora to connect, express, and inspire. Headquartered in the United States, the magazine is more than just a print publication—it’s a movement, a community, and a reflection of a global Iranian identity.
Origins and Mission
Founded with the mission of keeping Persian culture, language, and identity alive outside of Iran, Tehran Weekly Magazine was born out of a necessity. Many Iranians, especially after the revolution and subsequent waves of migration, found themselves scattered across continents—from Los Angeles to London, from Toronto to Dubai. These communities yearned for connection—not just with each other but with their roots, their language, and their homeland.
That’s where Tehran Magazine came in.
It was created to be more than just a news source. It was envisioned as a lifeline—keeping readers informed, inspired, and engaged with their heritage. Politics, arts, entertainment, business, and human rights—all these topics found space in the weekly pages, written in both English and Persian to reach a wider audience.
Leadership and Vision
At the heart of the magazine’s success is its CEO, Shahbod Noori. With a deep love for his culture and an eye for media, Noori has guided the magazine through many phases—both digital and print—adapting to the changing times while staying true to the original mission. Under his leadership, the magazine has expanded its presence online, built partnerships with other Persian media outlets, and remained fiercely independent.
“No matter how much the world changes, the need for connection doesn’t,” Noori says. “We want Iranians everywhere to feel proud of who they are and to stay informed, educated, and uplifted.”
A Platform for Cultural Dialogue
One of the magazine’s proudest achievements is its role as a cultural ambassador. Tehran Weekly Magazine regularly features Iranian artists, filmmakers, poets, and musicians—both from within Iran and abroad. From interviews with legendary figures in Iranian cinema to spotlights on up-and-coming talent, the magazine ensures that Persian art and culture remain in the spotlight.
Over the years, it has highlighted major film festivals, music releases, and theatrical performances, showcasing the rich tapestry of Iranian creativity. It’s not just about nostalgia for the past—it's about celebrating the now and looking forward to the future.
Political Coverage with Integrity
Politics is an inevitable part of any serious publication, especially when it comes to Iran—a country always in the headlines. Tehran Weekly Magazine doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. The editorial team covers a wide range of topics from domestic Iranian politics, U.S.-Iran relations, nuclear negotiations, protests, elections, sanctions, and human rights.
What sets the magazine apart is its balanced tone. While remaining critical of authoritarianism and injustice, the magazine also respects the diverse viewpoints within the community. It gives space to reformists, activists, conservatives, and liberals—always focusing on dialogue, not division.
Bridging Generations
One of the unique challenges faced by the Iranian diaspora is the generational gap. First-generation immigrants often struggle to pass down the language, values, and traditions to their children and grandchildren growing up in the West. Tehran Weekly Magazine plays an active role in bridging that gap by publishing bilingual content, highlighting stories of young Iranian-Americans, and encouraging intergenerational conversations.
From articles about Nowruz traditions to op-eds on identity and belonging, the magazine invites its readers to explore what it means to be Iranian in the 21st century.
Going Beyond Print
With the evolution of media, the magazine has expanded its digital footprint. The Tehran Weekly Magazine website and social media channels feature breaking news, exclusive interviews, event coverage, and video content. The digital transformation has allowed the publication to reach younger audiences and grow its influence globally.
Live interviews, Instagram Lives, online talk shows, and community spotlights have become regular features. It’s a magazine that lives both on the page and on the screen, engaging readers wherever they are.
Supporting the Community
The magazine isn’t just about publishing—it’s about giving back. Over the years, it has supported charity events, cultural festivals, small businesses, and student initiatives. Whether it’s promoting a local Persian restaurant or sponsoring a community fundraiser, Tehran Weekly Magazine stays deeply rooted in the people it serves.
This commitment to community also includes encouraging entrepreneurship and business growth among Iranians in the diaspora. Through business spotlights and interviews with successful Iranian entrepreneurs, the magazine inspires the next generation to dream big.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like all independent media outlets, Tehran Weekly Magazine has faced its share of challenges. Economic pressures, changing readership habits, censorship threats, and maintaining funding are just a few of the hurdles. But through resilience, innovation, and community support, it has survived—and even thrived.
“Our readers are our partners,” says Shahbod Noori. “Their support keeps us going. Every message, every subscription, every like and share—it all matters.”
A Global Vision
Looking ahead, the vision for Tehran International Weekly Magazine is expansion. More interviews. More digital content. More cultural exchanges. More voices from the global Iranian community.
With plans to launch podcasts, video documentaries, and perhaps even international events, the future is bright.
“We want to represent all Iranians—regardless of where they live, how they think, or what they believe,” Noori explains. “We are one people, with one history, and one beautiful future to build together.”
Final Thoughts
In a time when cultural identities are being diluted and media often falls into sensationalism, Tehran Weekly Magazine is a rare and valuable voice. Rooted in culture, guided by truth, and inspired by community, it continues to make an impact—one story at a time.
For the global Iranian diaspora, it’s more than a magazine. It’s a home.