About Us

Iran Draft is a diasporic Persian-language publication redefining what journalism and news analysis can and should mean for communities in exile. Published by First Draft Media (FDM), we bring a fresh perspective to Persian media, one shaped by the realities of distance yet grounded in a global vision of journalistic excellence.

We believe that good journalism must start with its audience. While Persian-language journalism has long juggled the burdens of advocacy, cultural preservation, and reporting under constraint, Iran Draft is guided by a simple yet radical idea: Persian readers deserve the same standards of service, clarity, and innovation as any global audience.

In an age overwhelmed by content, we offer slow journalism, stories that dive deep into history, context, and relevance. We aim to cut through the noise, helping readers not only stay informed but understand how news affects their lives. Through transparency, feedback loops, and a membership-supported model, we build a real relationship with our readers. You don’t just read Iran Draft, you help shape it.

As a cooperative newsroom, our structure reflects our values: every member of our team, whether editorial or operational, is a stakeholder. This collective ownership allows us to stay agile, embrace new tools like AI, and adapt to an ever-evolving media landscape without clinging to outdated hierarchies.

We also challenge the outdated division between publication and journalist. In the legacy model, the title overshadowed the individual. At Iran Draft, both come first. We celebrate the expertise and voice of each contributor, offering a platform where journalists are not just bylines but public thinkers, authors, and trusted companions in the search for truth. This model empowers careers, builds trust, and makes our journalism sustainable through diverse revenue, from memberships to speaking engagements.

Inspired by innovative outlets like De Correspondent, Zetland, and Krautreporter, Iran Draft brings this approach to the Persian-language space for the first time. In doing so, we hope to create a media model that is not only viable, but vibrant, rooted in trust, powered by community, and ready for the future.

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